A free Suicide Prevention and Awareness Forum hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Post #7392 is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 3037 Goldie Road, Oak Harbor.

Guest speakers include Chief Petty Officer Sasha Bond, command suicide prevention coordinator; Pat McMahon, a representative of the LGBTQ community, a crisis counselor and an EMT; Betsy Griffith, a school-based behavioral counselor; and Richard West of Island County mental health programs.

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. The speakers will address the importance of understanding and assisting those struggling with depression.

The goal is to reduce suicides through awareness, understanding, compassion and support, said Delia Pierce, event coordinator.

Panelists will participate in a question-and-answer segment and discussion.