Someone dies by suicide in the U.S. every 12 minutes and 48 seconds.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans. 

For one family that painful reality of losing a child to suicide has propelled them to lend their voices to end the stigma of suicide.

Terry and Patti Cullen of Platteville lost their son Benjamin, 27, to suicide Nov. 11, 2014. Patti said the night they learned of Benjamin’s death, she remembers saying to Terry and her family that goodness had to come out of what had happened, despite their loss.

“I learned that suicide can happen to anyone,” Patti said.

In observance of World Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 7–13, Southwest Behavioral Services will host Terry and Patti Cullen at Southwest Health, 1400 East Side Road, Platteville, Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. 

Patti and Terry Cullen are sharing their story by reaching out to others to give them hope. This will be an interactive presentation where you can listen to their story and ask questions. Refreshments will be served. 

For more information contact Southwest Behavioral Services, 348-3656.