The Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will host a public policy forum on Saturday, Dec. 9 in collaboration with Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nu Zeta Omega Chapter of Waldorf. The forum’s topic is “Giving Hope: Addressing the Crisis of Suicide Amongst Black Youth.”

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to attend. It will take place at the College of Southern Maryland, La Plata campus in the Center for Business and Industry (BI) Building, Room 113 from 10 a.m. to noon. Check-in for the event is at 9:30 a.m., and Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., will present on a panel discussing Parental Training: Youth Mental Health First Aid.

The goal of the forum is to address mental health issues affecting Black youth, educate attendees about the factors that can impact youth mental health and provide resources for parents to support their children’s wellbeing. The event will feature mental health experts and healthcare professionals who will lead facilitated breakout sessions for both parents and youth attendees.

CCPS provides education to over 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12th grade with an academically challenging curriculum that builds character, equips students for leadership, and prepares them for life after graduation. Located in Southern Maryland, CCPS has 37 schools that offer technologically advanced education that meets the needs of its diverse student population without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity