PIQUA — Residents of Miami, Darke and Shelby counties who have lost a child or other loved one to suicide, drug overdose or other unexpected loss are invited to attend a Healing from Unexpected Loss program 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Emerson Center, Edison State Community College, Piqua.

The program is being sponsored by the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services in partnership with NAMI | Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties and the Miami County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, and in conjunction with International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a program of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“Those who have lost a loved one to suicide or drug overdose often feel a stigma,” said Mark McDaniel, executive director of the Tri-County Board, “and especially if that loved one is a child, there’s a layer of guilt. Meeting others in our local community who have experienced similar loss may lessen the feelings of guilt and stigma and help the healing process.”

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness with a local chapter serving Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties. NAMI provides information, education and advocacy for individuals and families living with mental illness. More information about NAMI | Darke Miami and Shelby Counties can be found at www.NAMIofDMS.org.

The Compassionate Friends is a national organization with local chapters that support families after a child dies. The Miami County Chapter meets at Nashville Church, 4540 W. State Route 571, West Milton, the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

The healing program will be designed with the special needs of survivors of suicide, drug overdose or unexpected loss in mind. The program includes a video, a panel discussion featuring survivors of loss, parents, and grief counselors, and a remembrance/healing ceremony.

Preregistration is not required, and there is no cost to attend.

For more information, email Brad Reed, [email protected].