Hope Lights the Night 2018 – Remembering Those Lost to Suicide

Every year, Hope Lights the Night holds a candlelight gathering to remember those close to us we lost to suicide. In 2017, the Colorado health institute recorded 1,175 deaths due to suicide, a record high number for the state.

Susan Marine, the events coordinator, lost two of her own children to suicide. Having such a deep personal connection to that loss drives her to put on the event every year. With such a large stigma attached to suicide, Susan wanted to create a comfortable space for people who have been affected to be able to remember those lost.

“Suicide is a very complex behavior. there are many causes, and no person is exactly the same as the other in terms of why they choose that path.”

Originally starting in a more public setting, Hope Lights the Night moved to Community United Church of Christ to create a more welcoming atmosphere. The event is non-denominational, meaning anyone can come to the event to reminisce over those close to us lost. At the event, there will be responsive readings, a symbolic lighting of candles, and The resonance women’s chorus to provide music for the gathering. If you would like, bring a picture of your loved one to post during the event.  The event is on November 14th at 7 pm, at the community united church of Christ, at 2650 Table Mesa Drive in Boulder.

Resources for those impacted by suicide:

There are multiple locations in the Denver-metro area that take 24-hour walk-ins:

Aurora walk-in Center: Anschutz Medical Campus, 2206 Victor street

Boulder Walk-In Center: 3180 Airport Road

Denver Walk-In Center: 4353 E. Colfax Avenue

Lakewood Walk-In Center: Union Square health Plaza, 12055 W. 2nd Place

Littleton Walk-In Center: Sante Fe House, 6509 S. Sante Fe Drive

Westminster Walk-In Center: 84th Ave Neighborhood Health Center 2551 W. 84th Ave

Local crisis lines:

Colorado crisis line: 844-493-8255

Emergency psychiatric services boulder 303-447-1665

National crisis lines:

National suicide prevention lifelines: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

Spanish hotline: 1-800-784-2432

Trevor helpline (for LGBTQ youth) 1-866-488-7386

Other local agencies helping with mental health and suicide issues:

Hope Coalition Boulder

Area agency on aging: 303-441-3570

Boulder county prevention and intervention: 303-443-8500

Boulder psychological services LLC: 720-217-3270

Boulder counseling cooperative: 720-381-6089

Centennial peaks hospital: 303-666-2088

CU counseling services: 303-492-2277

Medicine horse program: 720-406-7630

Mental health partners: 303-443-8500

OASOS- groups, crisis counseling & referral for LGBTQ youth in Boulder County: 303-579-2676

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