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The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation�Depression is not your fault. Stay Alive!

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The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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  • Our mission is Saving Lives by providing free suicide prevention programs and resources.

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  • Our vision is a World Without Suicide

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation�Depression is not your fault. Stay Alive!

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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Did you know…

About 49,500 people die by suicide each year in the U.S.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 15-34

For every death, there are 100-200 attempted suicides

Suicide is preventable

Protective factors in life can lower suicide risk

Belongingness is the single greatest protective factor

Only 2 out of 5 people who need mental health treatment seek out that treatment due to STIGMA around the topic

Mental health treatment is available and effective

Self care strengthens mental health!

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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Virginia had�1,201 suicide deaths in 2021

  • 2nd leading cause of death for ages 15-34
  • 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-44
  • 7th leading cause of death for ages 45-54

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  •  57.5% of communities in Virginia did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents in 2021, according to federal guidelines. 

CDC data

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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Youth Risk Behavior Survey�U.S. 9-12th graders surveyed every other year in public & private schools

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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Anyone can help save a life.

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  • Suicide is the most preventable kind of death and almost any positive action may save a life.

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  • Most suicidal people communicate their intent during the week preceding their attempt.

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  • Asking someone directly about suicide lowers anxiety, opens up communication, and lowers the risk of an impulsive act. It’s a relief to have someone ask.

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  • You can learn how to ask the question and how to help.

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The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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PROJECT 300K

  • 100% Hampton Roads citizens informed about suicide warning signs and local resources available to assist those in need
  • 15% Hampton Roads citizens educated to recognize suicide warning signs, speak directly and confidently to someone about suicide, provide them with safety, hope, and resources for care (these are the 300,000)

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The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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Here’s how we carry out our mission:

  • Inform through our resource table at community events
  • Educate using evidence-based programming for youth and adults
  • Stop the stigma at every opportunity with all of our resources

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  • All FREE (due to generous donors!)

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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We need to partner with everyone!

Workplaces

Schools

Places of worship

Community centers

Libraries

Professional organizations

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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  • We are creating a safety net of people who can help others throughout our communities.
  • Training for any organization or community can empower people with life-saving skills for years to come.
  • We use evidence-based programs presented by certified facilitators for youth and adults.
  • Our Resource Table is available for events.

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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How you can help?

  • Volunteer to help prepare materials
    • Label booklets
    • Make fidget strips
    • Make keychain pulls
  • Train to staff a Resource Table

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation�Depression is not your fault. Stay Alive!

  • 988 call or text for care & support when mental health is involved

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  • Old lifeline & crisis text numbers still work

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  • 911 Get help moving toward you

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911 for the body; 988 for the mind

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The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org

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The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation�Depression is not your fault. Stay Alive!

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Your help is needed! Like our page and Share our messages on social media. Schedule a program for another group. Attend other trainings. Sign up for our emails. Donate to fund our programs for teens and adults. Donations of any size are appreciated.

Warm thanks to our hosts and to all of you for attending today.

The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation www.worldwithoutsuicide.org