Mental Health Community Featuring  Documentary to Spread Hope, Fight Suicide

A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the United States.

“My Ascension” is a feature-length documentary that chronicles Emma’s inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.

A group of community partners, including Polara Health, MATFORCE, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yavapai County, Community Counts AZ and Yavapai College are working together to increase awareness and talk about suicide prevention during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

As part of the effort, the community is invited to a free showing of My Ascension at 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. The 90-minute film will be followed by a virtual question and answer session with Emma and the filmmaker, Greg Dicharry.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health’s most current data from 2018,  approximately 7,600 young people under the age of 25 died by suicide that year. That’s 20 young people dying every day in the U.S. alone.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line – HELLO to 741741. QCBN

By Deanna Eder

Deanna Eder is the director of marketing and development for Polara Health. She can be reached at d.eder@polarahealth.com