Roger Von Braun, a New York State certified teacher who now is a suicide prevention advocate, will speak to parents on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Pine Bush High School cafeteria. His topic: Bringing Light to the Darkness of Suicide. Parents from throughout the area are invited to attend this free seminar.

Von Braun will share the story of his brother, Oliver, who died by suicide. This is an interactive presentation. Parents are encouraged to participate. Von Braun uses his life experience to educate parents about mental health and substance abuse that can shape a person’s mindset. He provides practical strategies that can be put in place to help overcome these and other struggles and teaches parents the warning signs of which they should be aware.

All middle school and high school students in the Pine Bush district will have the opportunity to hear Von Braun’s story. There will be two sessions in each of the middle schools and at Pine Bush High School between Jan. 29 and 31.

Von Braun will share with the students the lessons he learned from his brother’s life and his death. Students will be empowered to be open and honest with their own struggles and will be given the tools necessary to make positive changes and develop coping mechanisms for their daily lives.

Suicide is the third largest cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control, with approximately 4,600 deaths each year. However, many more young people survive suicide attempts with emergency departments across the country treating approximately 157,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 24 for self-inflicted injuries.

All parents and guardians are encouraged to attend.