Youth suicide-prevention event next Friday

BOARDMAN

Help Hotline Crisis Center will host an event Friday about protecting youths from suicide.

Author and coach Doug Merrill will talk about his book, “Fighting the Demon of Suicide,” as well as his experience as a high-school baseball coach and parent of a child with autism.

Merrill’s friend, a former girlfriend and eight students killed themselves throughout his life and career as a teacher.

Merrill is the founder of the Power UP Foundation, which provides financial assistance to communities to promote physical fitness and mental health.

The event is sponsored by PNC Bank, the Help Hotline Crisis Center Inc. and Potential Development Inc.

The event is open to the public and will take place from 8 a.m. to noon at Antone’s Banquet Center in Boardman. Reservations can be made by calling 330-747-5111. Tickets are $15.