Balloon Launch to Honor Memory of Loved OnesBalloon Launch to Honor Memory of Loved Ones

6/2/14 - A support group for family members affected by suicide will be holding an event Tuesday to both remember and help heal. Each year, the Livingston County Survivors of Suicide Support Group remembers those who have been taken from them as a result of suicide with a commemorative balloon launch. Jaime Podina is a therapist with Community Mental Health, who also serves as the group’s co-facilitator. She says the annual balloon launch is a, “…beautiful opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have been lost to suicide.” She adds that the event, “…brings the community together and offers support to friends and family who are grieving. It is also a time to reflect on advocacy, providing an outlet for educating communities on suicide risk and prevention.” The 11th annual event will be held on Tuesday evening from 7-9pm at Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital on Byron Road in Howell. Call Diane Heinlein at 517-546-4126 for more information about the group or Tuesday's balloon launch. (JK)