Milledge Avenue Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Athens are sponsoring two workshops—one for the public and one for faith leaders—on suicide prevention next week.

The churches are bringing in Soul Shop, a faith-based suicide prevention program, to raise awareness of suicide as a public health problem and how to reduce the risk of suicide.

First Presbyterian's parish nurse, Madeline Van Dyck, attended a Soul Shop conference in Atlanta.

"The workshop boldy took on the mystery of suicidal depression and the heartache that surrounds it," Van Dyck said. "The presenter and the materials were able to frame for me a new understanding of the hold suicide has on a soul, and a crucial new step we all need to take to address desperation's call."

The workshop for the public is Sunday, Sept. 16 from 3–5 p.m. The workshop for faith leaders is Monday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and is $10, which includes lunch. Both are at Milledge Avenue Baptist (the "pumpkin church" near Memorial Park).

Attendees should register by Thursday, Sept. 13 at milledge.org/soulshop or by calling 706-340-0900.