Just live: #iwantyoutoknow suicide is not the answer

FLINT, MI -- More than 200 people died of suicide in Flint and Genesee County in four years.

Every one of these deaths -- here and everywhere -- is preventable.

Genesee County's suicide rate is 12.9 per every 100,000 residents. Our suicide rate is higher than the state of Michigan's, and Michigan's is higher than the national average.

Let's do something about it. Let's send a message.

This video, titled #iwantyoutoknow, is one communitywide effort to do that. It features famous faces -- including Gov. Rick Snyder and Flinstone Mateen Cleaves, neighborhood folks and some who already have lost a loved one to suicide.

Their words are powerful. We hope you will watch this video, share it and get the message to as many people as possible.

You never really know who might need to see it.

Here's a look at all the coverage surrounding #iwantyoutoknow. Links will be added as the stories are published.

Tuesday

* Experts talk about suicide, the 10th leading cause of death in Genesee County.

Wednesday

* Why Gov. Rick Snyder, gold medalist Claressa Shields, Flintstone Mateen Cleaves and hiphop artist Jon Connor lent their voices to #iwantyoutoknow.

* A suicide survivor and the life she almost didn't live.

* Details on what to do if you fear someone you know is considering suicide: Warning signs, where to get help, common myths and what to do.

Thursday

* The story behind #iwantyoutoknow.

* A personal #iwantyoutoknow story: Family of Josh Pacheco talk about the shock of the 17-year-old's death in November.

* A personal #iwantyoutoknow story: Ambulance driver talks about the heartbreaking aftermath of suicides.

Friday

* A personal #iwantyoutoknow story: 16-year-old Kayla an her mother talk bluntly about life after Kayla's three suicide attempts and the death of Kayla's father.

* A personal #iwantyoutoknow story: Alana Steele lost her best friend to suicide Nov. 27. "He didn't deserve to die so young," she said.