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.

Guardian of the Golden Gate: Retired California Patrolman Prevented Over 200 People from Jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge

Sgt. Kevin Briggs,
Guardian of the Golden Gate

For two decades, Sergeant Kevin Briggs patrolled one of San Francisco's most famous landmarks. For more than 200 people, he served as the bridge between hope and despair as he listened to their struggles with compassion and helped convince them life was worth another try. On August 27^th, 2015 Sgt. Briggs will share his story of hope to over 400 people in a keynote presentation at the Carson J Spencer Foundation’s Shining Lights of Hope Gala, 5:30pm at Wings Over the Rockies. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

Sgt. Kevin Briggs, Sally Spencer-Thomas
and Kevin Berthia

Briggs is known as the "Guardian of the Golden Gate." A book of the same name chronicles his experiences with people preparing to jump to their deaths into San Francisco Bay.

One of the most famous rescues has captured the minds and hearts of many. In 2005, 22-year-old Kevin Berthia balanced on a narrow rail 220 feet above the bay ready to jump. Sgt. Briggs is leaned over the rail and listened intently to Berthia’s troubles for 90-minutes. Eventually, Briggs was able to convince Berthia to climb back over and to get him psychiatric help. Eight years later the two men were reunited, Berthia now with three children and a thriving career. Together they share a powerful message about the power of connection.

“Kevin’s message of compassion is particularly appropriate for our event this year,” said Sally Spencer-Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of the Carson J Spencer Foundation. “We are honoring the work of first responders in their roles as rescuers and fellow grievers during calls of suicide, and as people who also experience suicide among their own ranks.”

Sgt. Kevin Brigss with Kevin Berthia

Brigg’s story and experiences has been featured at the TED2014 conference, The New Yorker Magazine, CNN, Men’s Health Magazine, NBC Nightly News, NPR’s Bob Edwards Radio Show, People Magazine, and USA Today.

View his TedTalk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CIq4mtiamY

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About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Living

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. Our mission is to elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We do this by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide

National Public Radio Recognized for Leadership in Suicide Prevention

Carson J Spencer Foundation Gives “Media All-Star Award” at Denver Gala Reception

For the past year, National Public Radio has been covering suicide the right way. In the past year alone they have covered over 100 challenging stories about the devastating impact of suicide as well as science and stories of hope and recovery.  For their leadership in journalism and safe and effective reporting, NPR will receive this year’s “All-Star Media Award” from the Carson J Spencer Foundation. From their headquarters in Washington, D.C., Scott Hensley, Editor/Founder of NPR Shots Blog, will be present to accept the award on August 27^th, 2014 at 5:30pm at Wings Over the Rockies in Denver. During this event CJSF will celebrate its 11^th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala and the 10^th Anniversary of the Foundation. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

“The fact that we’re getting an award because of our coverage on it shows that we’re doing our duty as reporters,” said Lulu Miller, Host, ‘Invisibilia’.

The “Media All-Star Award” goes each year to a media company or journalist who leverages the power of communication to share critical stories about suicide and its prevention while following the national safe messaging guidelines. Previous award winners include:

• 2014 Facebook
• 2013 Denver Post
• 2012 9News

“Even with the wide range of health coverage that NPR undertakes every day, it’s especially rewarding to see a foundation like the Carson J Spencer Foundation has noticed and appreciates the work that we have done,” Scott Hensley, Editor/Founder, NPR Shots Blog said.

Interview with NPR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWui101hRF4

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About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Living

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. Our mission is to elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We do this by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide

Sue Roche Honored as Volunteer of the Year

Mother Bereaved by Suicide Recognized by the Carson J Spencer Foundation

By Emily Alvarez

For her dedication and spirit of giving Sue Roche of Aurora will be honored as the Carson J Spencer Foundation’s (CJSF) “Volunteer of the Year” on August 27^th, 2015 at 5:30pm at Wings Over the Rockies. During this event CJSF will celebrate its 11^th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala and 10^th Anniversary of the Foundation, a “blacktie optional” occasion. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

When Sue was 15 she gave up her son for adoption. Nineteen years later, she became a part of his life again. Then tragically, when he was 27 he took his life by suicide.

“This is the face of suicide,” Sue Roche said. “Not only did I lose a son, but I considered it myself prior to his passing. Now I volunteer in the area of suicide prevention and grief support, and I get to help others with my lived experience.  Hopefully my story can give someone hope that you can come out the other side.”

Sue went to the Parents Surviving Suicide support group after her son passed in 2010. The people she met there connected her to the Carson J Spencer Foundation, and she began volunteering for the Shining Lights of Hope Gala soon after. Now she volunteers up to 20 hours a week as the Volunteer Chair for the gala and by enrolling new stakeholders in grief support after a suicide.

“I’d like to thank each and every volunteer who has ever volunteered for me. It’s a great honor. I didn’t expect it. I really do appreciate the recognition” Roche said.

Watch the interview with Sue Roche here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WalhfpdFwSI

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About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Living

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. Our mission is to elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We do this by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide

10 Reason Why You Should Come to the Shining Lights of Hope Gala

By Emily Alvarez

1. RK

RK is being given our Corporate Shooting Star Award. This award goes to a business that has gone above and beyond to support that Carson J Spencer Foundation through funding, volunteerism and partnership.

2. Denver Fire Department

DFD is being recognized with the Shining Light of Hope Award. This award is given to an individual or family who has been bereaved by suicide or who has struggled with a mental illness and have turned their despair into action to make a difference in the areas of mental health promotion and suicide prevention.

3. NPR

National Public Radio is being given the All-Star Media Award. The All-Star Media Award is given to a journalist or media organization that has done an outstanding job in safe and effective reporting on the topic of suicide prevention.

4. Sue Roche

Volunteer of the Year, Sue Roche

Sue Roche is our Volunteer of the Year. This award goes to someone that has not been paid and who has given significant time and talent to help the Carson J Spencer Foundation succeed.

5. Honorary Chairs

Mayor Michael Hancock

The Fosters

Mayor Michael Hancock is one of our Honorary Chairs. Our other Honorary Chairs are Rabbi Steven Foster and Senator Joyce Foster and their family.

6. Governor Hickenlooper

Governor John Hickenlooper

Governor John Hickenlooper will be making a special appearance and making a few remarks at the start of the Gala program.

7. Luxury Vacation Packages

Treat your family, friends and loved ones to the trip of a lifetime and contribute to the Carson J Spencer Foundation at the same time! As one of our most valued supporters, we are offering an early bird discount before the gala. From now until August 26th, you can purchase your 5 night stay getaway for $4,500.

Costa Rica

8. Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Family Reserve

Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Family Reserve

This is a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Family Reserve Whiskey. This whiskey normally has a five-year waiting list and costs $5,000.

9. John Fielder Package

"Flat Tops Wilderness Sunrise" Print

Package includes: two day photography workshop in Crested Butte hosted by prominent photographer John Fielder. 29 X 60 framed print from the Yampa River Valley “Flat Top Wilderness Sunrise”. Copy of the Yampa River Valley Book.

10. Celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary as a Foundation

It is our 10^th Anniversary at the Foundation as well as out 11^th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala! It’s a perfect time to celebrate with us and support the organization!!

Don't forget to buy your tickets to the gala! Purchase them here.

Colorado Trends in Suicide: Annual Report from the Office of Suicide Prevention

Colorado Age-Adjusted Suicide Rate, 2009-2013

Join us on August 12, 2015 at 9:30 am for a review of suicide behavior data within Colorado through 2014. Sarah Brummett will provide up to date statistics to help guide prevention efforts within our State. The presentation will be held on the third floor of the Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network in the Kiowa boardroom. 155 Inverness Drive West. Call in information: 712-775-7031, meeting #335026 For more information: Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org

Colorado continues to carry a heavy suicide burden compared to the rest of the nation. As a group committed to reducing the burden and improving outcomes across Colorado it is important to understand the value of data in order for interventions and prevention efforts to be effective and well received.

Participants will be able to:

1)      Articulate the importance of using accurate data to guide suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts

2)      Identify trends in suicide and suicidal behavior throughout Colorado

3)      List data resources suicide prevention advocates can use

4)      Compare Colorado rates to other states

Sarah Brummett is Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Commission of Colorado, which is tasked with identifying statewide priorities for suicide prevention, promoting collaboration, expanding resources, and encouraging public/private partnerships essential for success.

State-wide Rates of Suicide, 2009-2014

Before joining CDPHE, Ms. Brummett practiced family and appellate law in both Colorado Springs and the Denver Metro area. Ms. Brummett received her JD and also a Master’s of Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver. Educational sessions are free and open to the public. For more information go to www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org or email Sally Spencer-Thomas, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, at info@suicidepreventioncolorado.org, or call 720-934-2387.

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About the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado: The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado (SPCC) was formed in 1999, when concerned citizens set out to create a statewide agency with the purpose of preventing suicide and creating a resource network for those who were working to prevent suicide around the state. Today, SPCC’s membership of concerned agencies, organizations and individuals who are working in the areas of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention has statewide reach. The mission of the SPCC is to reduce suicide and its impact for all Coloradans through advocacy, collaboration and education. www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org

RK Recognized for Making Suicide Prevention a Health and Safety Priority

One of Colorado’s Healthiest Large Employers Tackles Mental Health Issues Head On

Did you know that Colorado is consistently among the top ten states for highest suicide rates, and, that the construction industry is among the top ten industries for suicide? Significant mental distress in the construction trade is almost twice as high as the general male population and often tied to chronic pain and substance abuse. One Colorado construction company has decided to face this daunting issue head on and lead the nation in elevating the conversation on mental wellness and suicide prevention in a “tough guy” climate.

RK, just acknowledged last year by the Denver Business Journal as one of Colorado’s Healthiest Large Employers, knows that investing in the mental health of employees creates a safer, more resilient – and ultimately more productive workforce. Because of this priority, RK is taking a lead role the effort for suicide prevention in their company, in Colorado and for the construction industry nationwide.  In a collaborative partnership with the Carson J Spencer Foundation (CJSF),  a Denver-based nonprofit and national leader in innovation in suicide prevention, RK began implementing a comprehensive approach for suicide prevention internally.  Soon RK will co-publish a national blueprint for suicide prevention and mental health among the trades with the CJSF and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.  RK kicked off this campaign for its male-dominated workforce by using an innovative approach called “Man Therapy” with the tag line “You Can’t Fix Your Mental Health with Duct Tape” during National Suicide Prevention Week last September. This summer they are recognized with the “Corporate Shooting Star” award by CJSF for leading their industry in suicide prevention efforts. The award will be given at the 2015 “Shining Lights of Hope Gala” on August 27^th at Wings Over the Rockies. More information about the event here: http://carsonjspencer.org/events/gala/

Jon Kinning, COO of RK, said “RK has seen how the Carson J Spencer Foundation’s work makes a difference in people’s lives. Based RK’s improved understanding of what’s required to help prevent suicide, we counseled several of our own workers and pointed them to resources that helped them get back on track. RK is committed to leading the construction industry by encouraging a cultural shift that allows employees to be heard—and helped.”

“Seeing RK’s bold leadership is inspiring,” said Sally Spencer-Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of the Carson J Spencer Foundation. “Being proactive with suicide and mental health challenges is critical – we can’t wait for tragedy to strike. Employers like RK who are taking the initiative to implement life-saving policies, trainings and programs are making great strides in creating suicide-safer workplaces for their employees and their employee’s families.”

Over the past 12 months, RK: 

• Distributed “Man Therapy” campaign material at all job sites (www.ManTherapy.org).
• Educated employees about suicide prevention – what to look for and how to respond
• Hosted focus groups and gathered survey data to better understand the company’s mental health profile.
• Encouraged employees to self-screen for depression, anger, anxiety and substance abuse.
• Designed RK Wellness and Benefit programs to support mental health.

A video of Jon Kinning talking about RK’s efforts in making suicide prevention a workplace wellness focus can be accessed here:  https://youtu.be/4FVURylcfsM

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About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Living

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. Our mission is to elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We do this by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide

About RK

RK is the Rocky Mountain Region’s top supplier of mechanical, fabrication and service solutions for construction, industrial and commercial clients. With two locations in Denver and Henderson, Colorado that span 24 acres, we offer more than 155,000 square feet of leading-edge fabrication facilities. Our team of over 1,000 employees, and our six integrated business units (Mechanical, Service, Steel, Energy, Water and Electrical) make RK Colorado’s largest single source for mechanical contracting, manufacturing, steel fabrication, prefabricated construction, facilities maintenance services, electrical expertise and water treatment solutions. We’re recognized for quality and safety: RK is ISO 9001:2008, ASME and AISC Certified and has attained top-level OSHA accreditations. RK is a family-owned, Colorado-based firm that has grown since its humble beginnings over half a century ago into one of the region’s fast growing companies. For more information, call 303.901.0400 or visit rkmi.com.