By Cindy J. Roth
"Depression is something that can be treated and should not be ignored," said Jeff Camhi, 17, organizer of the campaign. "The more we talk about it the less stigmatized it is."
Suicide is something the Camhi's experienced first-hand when family friend Jonathan Goodstein took his own life in September 1999. Goodstein's death came as a shock to friends and family, who never knew Goodstein, 20 at the time, was unhappy, let alone depressed.
"Our lives changed forever [after Goodstein's death]," said Camhi's mother Dale. "Kids need to look out for each other. At their age you really should be able to say to a friend we need to stick with this kid because something is wrong."
Jeff's Shop to Stop Suicide campaign calls on area businesses to either donate a percentage of their sales on Aug. 31 or a flat dollar amount to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to fund a program to help identify and provide assistance to young adults who are at risk for suicide.
In the United States a person dies by suicide every 18 minutes, while a suicide attempt is made about every minute, according to the AFSP. Statistics also show that suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds and 60 percent of people who commit suicide suffer from major depression.
"You can't be ashamed," said Dale. "If you have a broken arm you go to the doctor. If you have a mental illness you should seek help."
The Shop to Stop Suicide campaign is only one of many events organized in Goodstein's memory. Goodstein graduated from Hewlett High School in 1997 and attended the University of Arizona where he was studying business with a focus in accounting. Through various fundraising events, Goodstein's mother, Michele, was able to work with AFSP to produce a film that is disseminated to high school and college students making them more aware of how to identify friends at risk of committing suicide.
Since Goodstein's death, Michele has spoken at many high schools and colleges about suicide prevention. She recently participated in a 26-mile walk entitled "Out of the Darkness," that took participants on a trek from Virginia to the Washington Monument in downtown Washington, D.C. to raise funds for the AFSP.
"We've raised a lot of awareness and that's all we can do," said Michele of the walk. She also said she is grateful to Jeff for organizing the local awareness campaign and fundraiser, which will help to offset the cost of CD-ROMs being made to accompany the suicide awareness videos.
Local vendors participating in the Shop to Stop Suicide campaign include: (Lynbrook) Mur-Lee's Men's & Boy's, Valencia Delicatessen, Jim-eez Frozen Yogurt Shop, Atlantic Deli, Grace Charles Fashions and Union Convenience Deli. (East Rockaway) Puppy Park, Bagels Plus A Whole Lot More, La Favorita Gourmet Deli, TootSweet, East Point Inn Fishery, Lioni's Pizza, Vision Finders, Paul's Cleaners, Carvel, Bagels Away & To Stay, Atlantic Restaurant and Diner and Empire French Cleaners. (Oceanside) Tobacco Connection and Capella Nail Salon. (Five Towns) Incredible Feets, Capellini, Wall's Bake Shop, Jildor, Marvin & Sons, Mortons, Learning Express, Caf
