Suicide took the lives of nearly four Arizonans daily in 2017.

The statistic is more than the number of people who died from motor vehicles crashes, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Males have a suicide rate three times higher than females. The highest rate of suicide in 2017 was adults between the ages of 45 to 64.

On Monday, May 13, at 6 p.m., Church of the Ascension in cooperation with the State Attorney General’s Office, Leslie Russell will present a program on suicide prevention in the parish hall.

“We’re doing this because I sense that suicide is not only a problem with our youth,” said Deacon Phil LoCascio. “The highest increase in suicide is in males 50-plus.”

During the free presentation, there will be a discussion on what to do when someone talks about ending their life. Learning to recognize warning signs and risk, as well as protective factors will be explored. Resources for further guidance will be provided.