KOCO-TV 5 partners with HeartLine and United Way of Central Oklahoma for “A Day of Hope”

KOCO-TV 5 is teaming up with HeartLine, Oklahoma’s Community Crisis Connection, and United Way of Central Oklahoma to sponsor “A Day Of Hope” on Monday, Nov. 12.

“A Day Of Hope,” centering on teenage suicide prevention and anchored by KOCO-TV 5′s Jessica Schambach, will provide community resources and local experts with support and assistance for families and teenagers, according to a news release.

Details on the community event, provided by KOCO-TV 5, are as follows:

Teenage suicide is at a crisis level in our community. Oklahoma ranks as the 12th highest in the nation for deaths by suicide, according to 2009 data. One in four local teenagers surveyed by HeartLine has experienced depression and/or thought about suicide. In the city of Edmond alone, three unrelated teenagers died by suicide in a two week period earlier this year. After covering these tragic stories, Jessica Schambach and the news team at KOCO-TV 5 decided to take action against this trend, partnering with HeartLine and the United Way. “A Day Of Hope” is the result. Local families who have lost a child to suicide are also joining in this event, courageously sharing their stories to help keep other families from experiencing this devastating loss.

“This is a critical issue for local families and our entire community. As a mother I can’t imagine the heartbreak of losing a child,” said Jessica Schambach, KOCO-TV 5 Anchor. “Reporting on this story exposed the need for more help and with help comes hope. We are grateful to HeartLine and United Way for partnering with us in this important effort to save lives.”

“A Day Of Hope” begins Monday November 12th with KOCO-TV 5’s Eyewitness News 5 in the Morning. Special guest Lisa Harper, HeartLine Director of Development, will be live in the KOCO-TV 5 studios during the morning news to talk about the crisis and share help available.

HeartLine has been serving Oklahoma since 1971, and provides suicide prevention outreach programs, listening and intervention services, and answers the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 76 of 77 Oklahoma counties.