Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention A New Day

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1 Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention A New Day January 2011 Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention Board of Directors A New Day Volume 2, Issue 1 Letter from President Barack Obama Supporting National Survivors of Suicide Day November 2010 Daela Gibson, Chair Reno Kathleen Dickinson, Vice-Chair Henderson Janett Massolo, Treasurer Reno Jan Bassier, Secretary Elko Tribal Representative Cheryl Atine Nevada Suicide Prevention Coordinator - Misty Vaughan Allen, Reno Past Chair - Linda Flatt, Henderson Clark County Representatives Mike Bernstein, Las Vegas Cheryl Murphy, Las Vegas Jacqueline Ragin, Las Vegas Visit us on Facebook at 12 th Annual National Survivors of Suicide Day observed in Las Vegas by Linda Flatt Inside this issue: Letter from President Barack Obama 1 National Survivors of Suicide Day is a day of healing for those who have lost someone by suicide. It was created by a U.S. Senate Resolution in 1999 through the efforts of Nevada Senator Harry Reid, who is the survivor of his father s suicide. Every year the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) sponsors an event to provide an opportunity for the survivor community to come together for mutual support, healing, information and empowerment. 12th Annual National Survivors 1 Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope Douglas County Yerington & Hawthorne Facts 2 3 Reno 4 Henderson & Las Vegas 5 Mission Statement & Contact Information 6 On Saturday, November 20, 2010, over 275 simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss took place throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique network of healing conferences allowed survivors to connect with others who have experienced the tragedy of suicide loss, and express and understand the powerful emotions they might experience. Each conference site was organized locally, but they were all connected in spirit as participants across the globe watched the special 90-minute AFSP survivor panel discussion together. The 2010 Las Vegas conference was hosted by the Canyon Ridge Christian Church SOS support group and took place at the Oquendo Center. The Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention and the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention provided support for the conference. Over 40 survivors watched the national programming, engaged in a discussion of survivor bereavement, took part in relationship loss support groups, and participated in a closing memorial ceremony to honor the memory of their loved ones.

2 A New Day Newsletter January 2011 You can t have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about yesterday all the time. - Charles F. Kettering - You don't get to choose how you re going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you re going to live. Now. - Joan Baez Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention Looking Forward in Douglas County by Debbie Posnien, Executive Director Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County Page 2 Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County was humbled and overwhelmed by all who participated in the Walk In Memory, Walk For Hope, September 11, Many came as survivors, having been forced to learn to live without loved ones. Others came in support of the Suicide Prevention Network, and others simply came to increase the awareness of suicide in our community. Suicide is everyone s business. In the group of over 120 who participated, it was the teens who spoke to each one more loudly than ever. It was these young people who came because many of them had known a friend who had ended their life. These kids are on a mission.to get the message out. No matter the personal story, we have all learned we must walk the journey together, and little by little see the hope through the sometimes very dark cloud. The sun shone brightly for those who walked through Gardnerville and Minden holding signs in support. The teen group from Psi Mu Sigma, at Douglas High School met the walkers half way with cold water and encouragement to bring the awareness throughout the Carson valley. All the participants returned after our three mile walk and joined in the circle around the Tree of Life. It was at that time we remembered and reflected on those we loved who no longer were with us. At the end of the very emotional ceremony each person was given their own tree seedling to plant at their own home, so that they too could see their own growth with the seasons, and how our tree will always change but never die. This was not only a day to remember but also a day to realize we are not alone and with gratitude in our hearts our love will continue to grow, even through change.

3 Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 3 Looking Forward in Yerington Staff Report From the Mason Valley News September 17, 2010 Between 20 and 30 people participated last Saturday (September 17th) morning in the first annual Yerington 'Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope' suicide prevention community walk. Although no one spoke when given a chance after the walk, every participant undoubtedly had a reason to participate, whether it was for a loved one or friends lost to suicide, simply in support of someone else who's felt the loss to suicide, or those just wishing to help prevent suicide. This was the first such awareness event in Yerington and was organized by the Teens Helping the Community Keystone Club affiliated with the Boys & Girls Club of Mason Valley. Others involved with this first-time event were the Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties and its Yerington Task Force partner. The Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention is an overall organizer of this statewide event. Participants met at the Veterans Park on the north end of town, then walked down Oregon Street to Bridge Street, where they turned west and walked a block before heading north on Nevada Street to the final destination at the Rocket Park at the swimming pool. Leading the walkers was a banner that read, "Communities Connecting to Prevent Suicide," provided by the Suicide Coalition and Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention, which also provided T-shirts and bracelets. Once at the park, guest speaker Misty Allen, the statewide coordinator for the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention, said that she attends every first-year event, that the first time she participated, the event was only held in four locations, and that the event has now grown to many areas, with Yerington being the newest. "There is a very increased risk of suicide," Allen said, adding, "We need to keep them safe on our own territory." Allen read a proclamation from Governor Jim Gibbons, which noted suicide is the third leading cause of death in Nevada of people ages and is the sixth leading cause of death overall in Nevada. The proclamation also noted there are now six million survivors of suicide in the United States. Allen said Sept. 11 is also world suicide prevention day, and she concluded, "The biggest hope is to have strength and confidence to step in (with suicidal people) and get them help." This article was reprinted with the permission of the Mason Valley News Hawthorne Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope 2010 Hawthorne s 3 rd Annual Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope took place on Saturday, September 11 th, The Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention s statewide event was hosted locally by the Family Resource Center/Family to Family Connection. The participants walked 3 miles around Lyon s Park. Upon return to the park, the walkers were treated to refreshments. Suicide prevention information, t-shirts and bags were also handed out in honor of National Suicide Prevention Week. The event ended with the opportunity for survivors of suicide loss to share with the group stories about their loved ones. Facts About Suicide In 2007, Nevada had the 5 th highest rate of suicide in the U.S., nearly double the national rate (CDC). Suicide is the 11 th leading cause of death in the United States, but is the 6 th leading cause of death for Nevadans (2007). Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death for NV teens (2007). For every teen that dies by suicide, it is estimated that teens have attempted. One of the biggest risk factors for completed suicide is a previous attempt. More people die from suicide than homicide in the U.S. Each suicide leaves an estimated six to eight bereaved family members and friends. Surviving family members not only suffer the grief and trauma of losing a loved one to suicide, but also are themselves at higher risk for suicide and emotional problems. Discussing suicide does not cause someone to die by suicide. Office of Suicide Prevention Nevada Department of Health and Human Services

4 Nevada Coalition for Page 4 Words from Survivors during the Reno Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope by Janett Massolo, Reno walk co-chair and Coalition Treasurer September 11, 2010 marked the 4 th annual Reno Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope. We were blessed with fabulous weather and a wonderful turn out. Our numbers are increasing each year which bring the good and the bad feelings. I am so glad that people want to come and support our efforts on community awareness and am sad that we have to produce an event like this each year on this topic. We had a number of participants there to learn and get the word out but mostly our numbers were made up of survivors. The Reno event starts out with some VIP guest speakers and then moves into survivor speakers. This year we had a special speaker who is a survivor of his own suicide attempts. His speech was so powerful and touched so many SOSL survivors as well as non-survivors. Then that was followed by our Survivor Memorial Flower Remembrance and then the walk gets underway. The Reno walk takes the participants along and over the beautiful Truckee River to downtown Reno and back to the park (approx 3 miles). Somewhere along the way the walkers toss their flowers in the river to honor their loved ones. I am going to include a couple of comments that walk participants sent to Misty via so you can get the feel of how folks felt at the Reno event: My daughter and I received our shirts, thank you. And thank you for the day. Words just aren't coming to me so I'll just say we'll be back next year and the year after and the year after... It was my first year to attend your event. I was so impressed in the manner in which the event unfolded. Especially well done were the speakers, led by your master of ceremony's, though I cannot remember her name. She was a survivor also, losing a daughter years ago I think. She did a great job. The speakers were very moving. It brought back some raw emotions. It was good to experience and process some pain. I think we tend to pre judge and assume certain things about those who take their lives and those who are left to survive. I learned I posted my experience in the walk with photos on my Facebook page along with your link. I received several comments, supportive likes, and some phone calls from friends. Some commented on themselves being survivors. We raised awareness. :) I cannot express properly in words The gratitude I feel for the work you have done. I can, however, say "thank you". Please extend the same warm, genuine, thoughts of appreciation to your staff. " Well Done "!! Many blessings to you and yours, Hello, The EVENT was Awesome, tearful, educational, heartfelt, peaceful, pretty, lovely, memorable, thankful... Photos provided by Jeff Simpson from the Crisis Call Center, Reno, NV It was a very meaningful ceremony in a very nice location. I think their words sum it all up nicely!! All in all a very successful year for the Reno Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope.

5 Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 5 Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention 2010 Walk in Memory Walk for Hope Las Vegas/Henderson by Linda Flatt The fourth annual Las Vegas/Henderson Walk was our BEST ever with just under 200 registered walkers and an estimated total of over 230 walkers, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors and supporters. This was our second year to stage from Bob Miller Middle School, and we hope to make BMMS the home of our event for years to come. The air conditioned comfort of the BMMS cafeteria was much appreciated by walkers who navigated the 3 mile walk through a scenic Henderson neighborhood, and the BMMS administration, custodial staff, and student volunteers provided valuable support for the Walk. Several large teams came to walk in memory of loved ones, and photos were taken. A memory board was provided for pictures of loved ones lost by suicide, and a DVD will be created from photos taken during the Walk. Primary sponsors for this year s Las Vegas/Henderson Walk were Spring Mountain Treatment Center, Bank of Nevada, Montevista Hospital, and Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets. Forever Young Photography, DJ Donny, Kids for a Better Society (KFABS) and many others generously donated their time and talent for the event. Six exhibitors provided important community resources for Walk attendees. The opening ceremony (MC d by 2009 Miss Greater Las Vegas Ashley Kringen) featured a Boy Scout Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic music, a Proclamation from the Governor, a message for walkers from Senator Harry Reid, recognition of veterans and a brief discussion of suicide prevention efforts in the military, recognition of sponsors, team recognition and Walk instructions. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill After the Walk a closing ceremony included recitation of memorial material and reading of names of lost loved ones. The Las Vegas/Henderson event concluded with a moving white dove release and an invitation to participants to walk with us again next year. Walk in Memory Walk for Hope, organized by the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention and the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention, was observed in eight Nevada communities in Each year it takes place the Saturday concluding Suicide Prevention Week; next year s Walk will be on Saturday, September 10, We encourage everyone to join us then! For more information about NCSP, OSP, the Walk and other community based suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention activities in Nevada, please call the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention at (Las Vegas) or (Reno).

6 Nevada Coalition Page 6 Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior Living Communities visit store.samhsa.gov/ product/sma or call SAMHSA7 ( ) to receive a copy of the Tool kit Looking Forward in Elko by Jan Bassier, Coalition Secretary and Cassie L. Darrough In 2010 in Elko, our fifth Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope took place. We had our first walk in 2006, and that name was chosen locally that year. I had participated in an AFSP sponsored walk in Las Vegas, Out of the Darkness, in the fall of Our local Survivors of Suicide support group wanted to do something similar, but much simpler, so we had that first Walk here in Elko. The Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention kept the name, and the first state-wide Walk was held in In the years since, we have added t- shirts, banners and other special arrangements. The Elko Walk has remained pretty simple. Each year we have had walkers. The first year, we had teal and purple balloons! Those caught a lot of attention. For the past four years, the Walk falls on the same weekend as the local Morrodders Car Show, so we have some pretty cool cars to look at as we round the first corner. We start at our City Park, near a rose garden tended by our local Horizon Hospice. Several support group members have rose bushes planted there in memory of their loved ones. The Walk is about three miles long, going around our local college, and with a pit stop at a local church for water and bathrooms. The Elko Parks and Recreation Department has never charged us a fee for the event, and provides tables and trash cans for us. Some years we ve had music by a CD player. We have printed up a set of papers provided by Misty Allen and the Office of Suicide Prevention, titled Elko Did You Know? with suicide prevention information and statistics, and tape them on the ground around our starting point for people to read as they wait for the Walk to begin. We have a poster entitled What Brings You Here Today? where people can write in the name of their loved one, or whatever is their reason for attending. We encourage people to bring a photo of their loved one. Some years we have a lot of local high school students and Great Basin College students walking or helping. There is always information available for survivors and for suicide prevention. In 2010, we had 50 walkers, including children and adults (and also several dogs!). Each year we have new people join us which is sad because it means people are still dying by suicide but also hopeful because survivors are reaching out for the hope and healing that we know is available to them. This year, we received over $1,200, including one gift of $500 from a couple who strongly support suicide prevention. We also had some of the best local media coverage we have ever had two newspapers, one TV station, and radio coverage. One of the best things about this year was seeing the people who have been coming year after year, and how much they have healed as the years have gone by. One woman who originally counted the time since her loss down to the day ( two years, four months, three weeks and two days ), has become someone who supports and encourages others whose loss is more recent. We have a memorial time at our Walk, where we ask people to join in an ever growing circle according to their type of loss child, sibling, parent, spouse, friend, other relative and then acknowledge those who have had several losses to suicide, losses to other types of death, for whom it has been less than two years and finally we ask people to join the circle if they are just there to support someone we know what support that is. We encourage everyone to look around the circle and see that they are not alone on this Walk. Every year, we meet more people and think of new things for the next Walk. Others stories of their Walks around the state are encouraging to us, and give us new things to consider for the future. Thank you, Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention, for sponsoring the Walk, and to the Office of Suicide Prevention for all their support!

7 Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 7 Looking Forward in Winnemucca by Jan Bassier and Cassie L. Darrough In the Winnemucca community, 2010 marked their second year of participating in the state s Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope. Both years, the Walk began at the Community Garden, and the group went for a three mile Walk to the local hospital and back. Winnemucca is a close-knit community, and while many people have been impacted by suicide losses, there is not an active support group for survivors. This year that may change! It always takes a local person to become involved in leading such a group, and while 2009 s Walk had a lot of local support, this year several local survivors were instrumental in getting the Walk organized. Both years there have been about 20 walkers this year there was a lot going on in town that weekend, but people still came out for the Walk. About $100 was received, and at least one local organization has become a member of the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention as a result of the Walk. Winnemucca is off and running well, walking in their support of survivors of suicide loss and for suicide prevention! NEW: Facilitating Suicide Bereavement Support Groups for Children and Teens Cincinnati, Ohio on March 4th and 5th 2011 Developed in collaboration with The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families, this new hands on training program is designed for adults who are interested in learning the how-to s of creating and facilitating a peer support group for children and teens ages The two-day program is conducted by experts in the field of childhood bereavement and experienced support group facilitators, and combines lecture, interactive discussion, and practice activities with individualized feedback. While the training will focus primarily on suicide bereavement, it will also be of help to those wishing to facilitate a general grief support group for children and teens. You don t need to be a mental health professional or have experience working with children to attend you only need an interest in helping children and teens cope with the death of someone in their lives. Attendees must be 18 or older. Note: in order to create an environment in which participants can best develop and practice the skills necessary to facilitate a group effectively, we ask that those who have experienced a loss themselves wait at least 2 years before attending. If you have any questions, please call AFSP s Survivor Initiatives Department at ext.33. If you are a professional who would like to attend, please note that continuing education credits are not available. Military Families: SAMHSA's Strategic Initiatives MilitaryFamilies/ Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness: SAMHSA's Strategic Initiatives prevention/ Public Awareness and Support: SAMHSA's Strategic Initiatives publicawareness/ SAMHSA's Strategic Initiatives About/ summary.aspx

8 Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention The Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization. Please send tax deductible financial contributions to: NCSP 205 N. Stephanie Street Suite D #149 Henderson, NV Telephone: Prevention is often a matter of a caring person with the right knowledge being available in the right place at the right time Our Mission: The Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to the collaborative development and implementation of evidence based suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies and programs in the State of Nevada. For More Information, Please visit the Nevada State Office of Suicide Prevention web site: For more Information and help regarding suicide prevention, please visit the resources shown below: Crisis Call Center Reno, Nevada Nevada 211: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline TALK [8255] Suicide Prevention Action Network USA Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance The Nevada State Office of Suicide Prevention Veteran Administration National Suicide Hotline TALK (8255) - Veteran press Option #1. VA Mental Health Outpatient Crises Clinic: American Association of Suicidology American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Suicide Prevention Resource Center Visit us on Facebook at: To contribute information to this newsletter, please write Kathleen Dickinson at kmdickinson@earthlink.net