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"After losing Michael to suicide, then surviving my own suicidal ideation, addiction, and PTSD, I must agree with the statement, Suicide takes place when pain outweighs the existing resources for coping with pain.  With this powerful and simple equation and idea, I do believe, that through the continuous harvesting of coping resources for those in crisis and attending to the distribution of those coping resources with the attention that is paid to distributing alcohol and other drugs, we will save lives. Suicide is preventable but it is a battle we are fighting, between hopelessness, and action. 

We need to have National Suicide Prevention Action Plans, we need to have networks and communities that are trained in Suicide Prevention Strategies. We also need to combat the STIGMA around addiction, suicide, and mental health crises and conditions. Let us invest in programs that support these actions. If we all DO OUR SHARE…to give people healthy choices and coping tools and training to build a generation that is not afraid of the word suicide, and sees suicidal ideation as a call for community support and action. Let us navigate our traumas and pain together. I believe from seeing it work in my own life, that it can work for others too."