Suicide Rates
A new report from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the U.S. suicide rate is the highest it's been in 30 years, increasing 24 percent from 1999 to 2014.
Suicide is now one of the 10 leading causes of death, the CDC says.
Rates are up significantly among middle-aged Americans. There’s also a spike in suicide among women and girls.
We begin the hour with a closer look at these numbers, what could be driving them, and how people can find help. Elizabeth Fields, licensed mental health counselor with the Duval County Health Department, joins us.
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease affects than 26 million Americans.
Anyone can get chronic kidney disease at any age, but those with high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney disease, older Americans, African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders are most at-risk.
This weekend the National Kidney Foundation of Florida will hold the Jax Kidney Pump 5K walk and run, benefiting dialysis patients.
We discuss the event with Katherine Flechaus, social worker with NxStage Kidney Care, and Mark Dent, local dialysis patient.
Jacksonville Jewish Food Festival
The fifth annual Jacksonville Jewish Food Festival takes place this weekend at the Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple.
The event features traditional delights from nearly two dozen local restaurants and caterers.
Spokesman Robert Cohen joins us with a preview.
Kerry Speckman
We look at this weekend's biggest events around town with TheSpecktator.com blogger Kerry Speckman.
