In 2006 there were 362 deaths by suicide in the state of Utah. Even more people were left to ask a question that rarely has an answer: "Why?"

Too often survivors of suicide loss believe the death of their loved one is somehow shameful or that they or their family is to blame. Research shows that more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying, although not always diagnosed, psychiatric illness at the time of their death, most often depression.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will be holding the National Survivors of Suicide Day on Nov. 21 in more than 175 cities across the country and worldwide. This event will be held in Cedar City at the Southern Utah University campus and will begin at 11 a.m. All members of the community are invited to attend. For more information visit www.afsp.org.

Shannon Force

Cedar City