State Theatre to show free movie for mental health awareness

The State Theatre is hosting a free showing of “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1” to increase awareness of mental issues, suicide prevention and the traumas experienced by America’s veterans.

The movie will show at the State Theatre in Traverse City on Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. The movie is sponsored by Northern Lakes Community Mental Health, the Grand Traverse Leelanau Suicide Prevention Coalition, and the Partnership Against Youth Suicide.

“Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1” was featured at this year’s film festival and won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short.

There will be a discussion panel following the movie featuring panel members: Lt. Col. Linda Fletcher, A Matter Of Honor Founder and Chief Executive Director; Bradley Will, Northern Lakes Community Mental Health (CMH) Emergency Services/Outpatient Therapy Supervisor; Mickie Jannazzo of Third Level Crisis Center of Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan; Sharlene Gray of the Veterans Administration in Saginaw; Terri LaCroix-Kelty, Munson Medical Center Behavioral Health Director. The discussion will be facilitated by Cynthia Petersen of Northern Lakes CMH.

In Michigan, an estimate of 1 in 4 people have a mental health issue but many do not access the treatment they need or get the understanding support they need from family, friends and cowokers.

Since 2001, more veterans have died by their own hand than in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, one veteran dies by suicide in America every 80 minutes.

While only one percent of Americans have served in the military, former service members account for 20 percent of all suicides in the U.S.

“Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1” will focus on what it is like to live with a serious mental illness as a result of trauma, as well as the signs of suicide and how to support someone with mental health challenges.

Those who attend this movie will learn more about the mental health services and supports available in the Grand Traverse region.