The Jason Foundation, Inc., a nationally-recognized leader in suicide awareness and prevention, launched a new statewide initiative to combat suicide deaths, Tennessee Won’t Be Silent. The campaign kicked off with a virtual press conference featuring remarks from Governor Bill Lee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Marie Williams, and Department of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn on the importance of bringing conversations about mental health out into the open, especially during difficult times.
Jason Foundation National Spokesperson Phillip Fulmer and Acadia Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Debbie Osteen, representing The Jason Foundation’s National Community Affiliates, also spoke in support of the campaign. The Jason Foundation is working to assemble collaborative partners from business, government, non-profits, and the community to lend their talents and passion to an array of Tennessee Won’t Be Silent programs and projects throughout the year. The campaign will be focused on building awareness and providing information, tools, and resources to better be able to identify and/or assist an individual who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. The inaugural educational initiative will be focused on supporting and educating first responders, who are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
The Jason Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers, and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth. The Foundation believes that awareness and education are the first steps to prevention. They want to establish a Triangle of Prevention by providing students, parents, and teachers the tools and resources to help identify and help at-risk youth.
This was reported by The Jason Foundation on July 1, 2020.
Contact information: Brett Marciel, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, The Jason Foundation, 18 Volunteer Drive, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075; 615-264-2323; Email: brettmarciel@jasonfoundation.com; Website: https://jasonfoundation.com/
