Documentary on Teen Suicide to be Held at Fox Theatre in Sidney

An upcoming documentary offered in Sidney and Bridgeport spotlights the story of a teen cheerleader paralyzed after a suicide attempt.

My Ascension documentary screening event with a panelist discussion to follow will be offered at:

• Sidney Fox Theater, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., September 8;

• Morrill County Community Hospital Training Center (901 Main Street, Bridgeport), Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. September 27;

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 stay alive. My Ascension is a feature-length documentary that chronicles Benoit’s inspiring journey and quest to walk again as she worked 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 those watching learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials, and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effect of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.

Every day 20 young people die by suicide in the United States. According to the National Institute on Mental Health’s most current data from 2018, about 7,600 young people under 25 died by suicide.

“Emma's story captures the severity of the mental health and suicidality pandemic amongst the adolescent population in the United States. My Ascension is a serious yet uplifting story that provides hope, clarity, and support to its audience from a personal perspective,” said Saro Altinoglu, PSY.D, ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Center.

If your organization, school, or community group is interested in hosting a viewing of My

Ascension, please reach out to Nicole Berosek @ 308-279-3496 to schedule.

For additional information about worksite wellness, visit http://www.pphd.org/pwwc.html or call Berosek at 308-279-3496. The Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council is proudly part of Panhandle Public Health District.