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PrintThe Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network will hold several events across the state in observance of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September.
According to an August 2020 Harris Poll conducted by leaders in the suicide prevention field, more than half of adults know someone who has had suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and approximately 1 in 4 U.S. adults has personally thought about or attempted suicide. In Tennessee, an average of 3 people die by suicide each day. In 2018 - the latest year for which state-specific figures are available - there were 1,159 recorded suicide deaths in Tennessee.
TSPN draws awareness to this epidemic throughout the year, and these efforts culminate during a statewide event each September. Though this year's event, TSPN Vision of Hope 2020, is being held virtually, the event will feature many of the same components as statewide events in years past. Sara Small of Fox17 will host the event, and messages from both Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health Substance Abuse Services will kick off the event. Panels on past, present and future suicide prevention initiatives will be featured. Regional and community partner award winners will be honored for their service to TSPN, and TSPN's Zero Suicide Initiative partner organizations will be recognized. Additionally, the 17th Love Never Dies memorial quilt will be dedicated.
John Midgley, the "Mental Health Magician," will perform a virtual magic show during the event. Dr. Kelly Posner, creator of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), will be featured as the event's keynote speaker.
