Fighting for Suicide Prevention, Seattle Suicide Prevention Walk Oct. 13

Last week's death by suicide of a student at Woodinville High School truly breaks my heart, for him, his family, loved ones and community. I've lost friends way too soon to suicide, and since my mission has been advocating for mental health awareness and suicde prevention. 

The teens at Woodinville High School who are now struggling with grief, loss and confusion are also striving to take action by creating Suicide Prevention Education Awareness Kinship (SPEAK), as it's been named. But according to Patch "the school's administration will not approve it." 

As a mom and a woman with mental illness, I applaud the efforts of those brave teenagers. We ALL must fight for prevention if we are going to prevail. Its a matter of saving lives … youth, moms, dads, everyday people just like you or me.

Next weekend, I'm walking in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk in Seattle. On October 13, thousands who have been affected by suicide will join together at Green Lake Park to raise our voices and raise funds to benefit the work of this national suicide prevention organization. I encourage you to join me and the AFSP at Green Lake to walk for Suicide Prevention. 

I also ask the Woodinville community to speak out in support of the efforts of the students of SPEAK. Taking action is so incredible healing during this intense time of grieving. Their voices can truly make a difference. 

For more information about the AFSP walk, visit the Seattle Out of the Darkness event page at: http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1677