“Caring for Our Hearts” Community Dinner and Discussion

St. Luke’s Church and School to Host “Caring for Our Hearts” Community Dinner and Discussion

February is recognized nationwide as Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart health. This year, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and School are expanding that focus to include the well-being of another vital set of hearts—our adolescents and teens. On Sunday, March 15, St. Luke’s will host “Caring for Our Hearts,” a community dinner followed by a panel discussion designed to raise awareness and encourage conversation around youth mental and emotional health.

In Louisiana, the leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults include motor vehicle accidents, homicide, and suicide. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals ages 10–24 and 25–34 in the state. While the topic can be difficult, awareness, education, and connection are important steps toward prevention and support.

The evening will begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion at 6:15 p.m. in Witter Hall. The event is open to the wider community and is especially encouraged for parents, caregivers, and teens. The goal is to provide a welcoming, supportive space to learn, listen, and talk about how we can better care for the hearts—physical, emotional, and mental—of our young people.

Research shows that most individuals who experience suicidal thoughts do not die by suicide, and that connection, support, and early intervention can make a meaningful difference. Through events like this, St. Luke’s hopes to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and remind families that they are not alone.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP via Signup Genius by March 12 at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45A5AF2BABF8C25-62145417-suicide

St. Luke’s Church and School are honored to offer this program as part of their ongoing commitment to caring for individuals, families and the broader community.