So that others may live: perspectives on suicide prevention

Suicide is the topic of the next Omaha Science Cafe on May 1 at 7 p.m. at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.

Howard Liu, M.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, will discuss suicide prevention, signs that someone is in trouble and how to help.

Dr. Liu maintains an outpatient practice treating children and adolescents with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. He is a frequent commentator on media programs regarding issues in child and adolescent mental health. Also, he is the medical student clerkship director of the UNMC Department of Psychiatry.

Dr. Liu will be joined by Thomas Brown and Zachary Chipps, founders of R.I.S.E., (Revolution Inspired by Self Evolution), a non-profit they founded to promote suicide awareness and healing among those impacted by it. Both Brown and Chipps have lost brothers to suicide. The two men embarked on a cross country bike ride March 1 to raise national awareness and provide support and understanding to suicide survivors.

This cafe is in partnership with Community Alliance in Omaha. Community Alliance offers community-based mental health services for adults with mental illness including major depression, bipolar disorder and other serious conditions and illnesses.

The non-profit organization provides a continuum of services including assertive community treatment, residential, vocational and day rehabilitation services, community services, family education, peer support services and community housing. Community Alliance’s mission is to help individuals with mental illness achieve their unique potential, and to live, work, learn and contribute in a community of mutual support.   

Science Cafe is a free educational event sponsored by UNMC and other groups to increase the population’s science literacy. Hosted by UNMC, Bio Nebraska and the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Science Cafes are held the first Tuesday of each month in Omaha and one Thursday every other month in Lincoln.

Free pizza, available for the first 50 people, will be provided by Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe

Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.