Sep 30, 20162 min read

White House Suicide Prevention Event

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Over 42, 000 people die by suicide in the U.S. each year.
Every 40 seconds a person dies by suicide from around the world.

This is a global issue that needs every person sharing and supporting life. People are hurting and feel hopeless. Coach Debbie hopes to be the change and shine light on their purpose. Coach Debbie believes that each person has a positive purpose. Moreover, the mission and message of Coach Debbie is #LifeMatters to make sure that every woman, child, and man, knows that their live matters.

Debbie brought her message and passion to Washington, DC on September 29, 2016 for the White House "Making Healthcare Better Series: Suicide Prevention". Coach Debbie was invited to attend this special event and is honored to share her experience with you all!

Coach Debbie joined mental health professionals and leaders from around America to share solutions, hear what the government is doing, and gain inspiration to empower our communities. Read an overview of her noted highlights below:

The gap between what we know and what we do is lethal.
Stakeholders are coming together for the #ZeroSuicideMovement
We have to connect our work to social justice and policy change.
More research is needed on peer support and the continuum of care.
We need nontraditional partners and models.
Engage with people with lived experience and include them.
Look at people- ask what happened, not just what's wrong.
80% of youth suicide attributed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
2/3 of adult suicide attributed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
We each can make a difference, one conversation at a time.
Post-traumatic growth is using what has happened in your life to move forward.
We need more support groups in the community i.e. Attempts of Suicide
"Use the same door"- stop distinguishing between physical health and behavioral health. The brain is an organ.
If a person has a broken arm- they will get months of recovery. It's no different from a broken heart or aliment in the brain.
Must treat the whole person- body, mind, and soul.
Spirituality is the #1 factor in successful recovery.
Suicide is a national crisis, it's time for us to make mental health care affordable ad accessible. It's time to act based on reason and science.
Focus on research innovation, and best practice.
Don't be afraid to ask if someone is going to commit suicide. If you ask- you will not plant the idea in their head. You may save their life.

The "Making Healthcare Better Series: Suicide Prevention" was an incredible experience that has inspired Coach Debbie to lead 3 community projects. First, she plans to host a Community Healing Event on social justice concerns that affect a persons mental health including ACEs, trauma,, racism, and prejudice. Second, her goal is to increase her outreach to faith-based communities and churches to start suicide support groups. Third, she wants to hear from you to learn about what the needs are for mental wellness in diverse communities. Got ideas, thoughts, or comments? Use the hashtag #LifeMatters to send your thoughts to Coach Debbie.