When my son's good friend took his own life in 8th grade, we could not imagine the ripple effect it would have on our family, our neighbors, and the entire community. More than two years later we are all still feeling the weight and grief of this unimaginable loss. I would say to any young person who is struggling that you may have no idea how much love and support surround you, if you just take the first step of reaching out for help.” -a voice from our community

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people 10-34 years old, and the fourth leading cause of death among people 35-44 years old.  In 2019, 47,500 people in our country died by suicide.

During COVID, even the strongest among us battled mental health challenges, including stress, feelings of isolation, depression, and more.

It’s more important than ever to remind people they are not alone, encourage them to seek help, and assure them there is hope. You can help!

Wednesday, September 8th, 12 pm - 8 pm, Pam Long Photography and Park Ridge Creamery are joining forces to raise money and awareness for Suicide Prevention. 

Stop by Park Ridge Creamery (3741 Hamilton Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043, in Historic Ellicott City, adjacent to Lot D, next to Little Market Cafe) and indulge in some sweet treats. Bring your staff, neighbors, co-workers and enjoy their delicious flavors of ice cream. Celebrate your kids when they get home from school, treat them too! Cups, cones, and even pints to take home! 100% of the profit will be donated to Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. Additional ways we are raising money...you can purchase photographic note cards and prints, enjoy a meal at Little Market Cafe, buy 50/50 raffle tickets, and wait until you see the AHHHSOME raffle baskets filled with OEC goodness from the generous business owners here in town and SteelFire Kitchen and Bar!

Grassroots Crisis Intervention has provided crucial, lifesaving support for hundreds of our friends, neighbors, and co-workers.  One mother told us she is very grateful for Grassroots and its commitment to helping people through mental health crises.  Even when her daughter was in therapy, working on recovery from self-harm, and about a year after an ER visit, she noticed a day when her daughter was feeling extra hopeless. She learned that a mom isn’t always the best person to help a child through a mental health crisis, so she reached out to the professionals at Grassroots and they were there for their family that day.  As she told us “It’s hard to ask for help, but Grassroots is a calm, loving, presence in our community, ready to serve when the time comes.” 

We’ll be welcoming Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, first responders, and other special “guest scoopers” throughout the day and they will be happy to thank you for joining our cause and sharing hope. 

Anna Katz, Operations Manager, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, Inc. will be on hand from 2 pm - 6 pm to answer any questions you may have.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about “It’s OK to Ask” – a campaign by the Howard County Health Department to combat youth suicide. To access info and resources from our Health Department, click here: https://teenhealthmatters.org/

To receive updates go to our Facebook event page and click "going" or "interested". https://fb.me/e/4dK0cjJgf

Questions? Contact me at hello@pamlongphotography.com or 410.988.5563