Stand Together: An Action Alliance Event Series Talking About Men in Their Middle Years and Suicide

Experts to discuss the issue of suicide among this hard-to-reach demographic group

WASHINGTON – Recent data indicates around 80 percent of suicides in the United States are completed by men, and men between the ages of 50-59 have had a near 50 percent increase in suicides in recent years. Unemployment, relationship difficulties, social isolation, loss of a loved one and other life transitions are just a few of the factors that increase suicide risk among middle-aged men. Compounding the risk is the fact that this population has historically been reluctant to seek help. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 2 — the beginning of Suicide Prevention Month — the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention will host a panel of leading suicide experts, influencers and men with personal experience with suicide. They will discuss suicide among men in their middle years and how to better connect this population with critical sources of support.

This panel affords an opportunity to report on a newsworthy discussion during Suicide Prevention Month, and will provide a convenient platform for collecting quotes from suicide prevention experts and influencers.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Panel discussion and media availability, “Talking About Men in Their Middle Years and Suicide”

When: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 1–2 p.m. EDT

Where: Conference Call

Confirmed panelists include:

§  Dwight Hollier, L.P.C., Retired professional football player; Vice President, Wellness and Clinical Services

§  Deb Stone, Sc.D., M.S.W., M.P.H.; Behavioral Scientist, National Institute of Mental Health

§  Sally Spencer-Thomas, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO, Carson J. Spencer Foundation, ManTherapy.org; Survivor Division Chair, American Association of Suicidology

§  Brett “Zach” Zachman, Speaking on personal experience

§  Jack Benson [Moderator], Action Alliance EXCOM member; Co-lead, Public Awareness and Education Task Force

TO ATTEND THE PANEL DISCUSSION: Register here.

TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Use #SuicideReporting

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

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Action Alliance (www.ActionAllianceforSuicidePrevention.org) is the public-private partnership working to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and make suicide prevention a national priority. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, through the Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) operates the Secretariat for the Action Alliance, which was launched in 2010 by former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates with the goal of saving 20,000 lives in five years.