Group Petitions for Suicide Prevention Class at Lake Orion High School in Wake of 2 Suicides

Two graduates committed suicide last week, prompting some members of the community to take action to prevent future suicides.

Ryan Edwards, 22, died Nov. 9, and Jeremiah Hargett, 20, died Nov. 12, according to a recent article in The Oakland Press. The deaths of Edwards and Hargett "(raises) the toll of suicides in the district to nine within four years," according to the article.

In response to the rash of suicides, Lake Orion Reach Out, a suicide prevention group, has started an online petition through its Facebook group to bring suicide prevention classes to the high school. As of 2 p.m. Friday, 1,010 people have signed the petition.

"Obviously this is a community problem, one that has been ignored for far too long, so having this open environment for people to share problems and build a strong community should be at least attempted," wrote Orion Township resident Anais Brown, who signed the petition four days ago. "At this rate, it could not hurt."

"I lost my son 4 and 1/2 years ago," wrote Melinda Wolvin, a Lake Orion resident who also signed the petition. "I miss him every day. My heart breaks for missing him. I do not want other parents, friends and family suffering like ours have. The kids have to know that if they hold on, they can make it another day."

"It would do a lot to show people the warning signs and what to do to get someone help," Krystle Karnofsky, the petition's creator, wrote on the petition site. "Please sign this and maybe we can show Lake Orion that we all need to do more to help everyone else."

Lake Orion Community Schools could not be reached for comment.

To view or sign the online petition, click here.

The following is a list of suicide resources and hotlines:

Suicide crisis lines

• Common Ground: 24-hour crisis hotline 800-231-1127
• Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority Crisis Hotline: 248-456-1991
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

• Jason Foundation: 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)

Suicide prevention, education and treatment

• MINDS mental health awareness and education program 248-644-8003
• University of Michigan Depression Center: 800-475-MICH (800-475-6424)
• Joseph J. Laurencelle Memorial Foundation:  248-258-6693
• Oakland Schools: 248-209-2000
• Easter Seals: 800-75-SEALS (800-757-3257)
• Havenwyck Hospital: 800-401-2727
• Community Network Services: 800-273-0258 or 866-493-6797
• Training & Treatment Innovations: 800-741-1682
• Oakland County Suicide Prevention Coalition: e-mail administrator@ocspc.org.