Published: October 15, 2009 11:51 pm      

Service will seek to heal suicide victims’ survivors

Ceremony helps to deal with grief, coroner says

JOHNSTOWN — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 33,000 people take their own lives each year, with suicide being the 11th leading cause of death among Americans.

The loss felt by friends and family after the death of a loved one can be unbearable.

As a way to help with the grief, the Cambria County Coroner’s Office will hold its annual prayer service and memory balloon release ceremony at 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at the top of the Inclined Plane in Westmont. The service is part of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program.

“Last year, we had about 30 people attend. It’s an emotional day and a tough day, but it’s a way to remember a loved one and deal with the trauma of losing someone,” Coroner Dennis Kwiatkowski said.

The program will consist of meditation and prayer led by the Rev. Jay Cook, pastor of Westmont United Methodist Church, and opening remarks by Kwiatkowski.

Music will be provided by Denise Baldwin.

Prior to the balloon release, participants will be able to say a few words or read poems.

Employees of Westmont Family Counseling Ministries will be on hand should people want to talk or set up an appointment for a later date.

After the service, refreshments will be served in the banquet room of the City View Bar & Grill.

Kwiatkowski noted that people who choose suicide are in a bad place and feel that they can’t come back from it.

“Suicide isn’t about dying, but the emotional pain people suffer and they feel there is no way out, so they take their own life,” he said. “It is the people who are left behind that continue to feel the grief.”

He added that although the ceremony is intended to remember suicide victims, it also will serve as a reminder to anyone who is feeling suicidal that other options are available.

“It’s a reminder that suicide is a problem and is preventable and should never be an option,” Kwiatkowski said. “There are people out there working on prevention and agencies willing to help.”