Every year in September, suicide prevention advocates around the United States host events and provide trainings to raise awareness about suicide. In 1975, the American Association of Suicidology sponsored the first National Suicide Prevention Week.
The goals are to educate and inform the public about suicide prevention, the warning signs, and to decrease stigma, thereby encouraging help-seeking. On September 10, 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization worked together to dedicate one day each year to share the message that suicides are preventable and provide messages of hope and help. The goal was to direct people who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide to care. World Suicide Prevention Day is now observed in over 60 countries. National Suicide Prevention Week is observed the week corresponding with World Suicide Prevention Day.
In 2008, September was first observed as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This September, get involved in an event in your community to raise awareness about suicide and promote help-seeking. Take advantage of opportunities to learn more about how you and others can support suicide prevention efforts.
September 22, 2023: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Justin Bohannon – Make a Vet Sweat: Utilizing Physical Fitness and Nutrition to Combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide Among Military Veterans; register here.
September 29, 2023: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. State Suicide Prevention Team-Language Matters; register here.
The Tiny Evie Rocks Story Providing Hope to Those Impacted by Suicide
Tiny Evie Rocks is a non-profit organization located in Tyler, dedicated to empowering community members to come together, spread kindness, enjoy exceptional music, access local resources, and gain life-saving knowledge. Tiny Evie Rocks was born out of the experience of Michael and Jessica Domingos after the loss of their daughter to suicide.
Tiny Evie Rocks started out as a campaign to paint kindness and mental health awareness rocks for others to find in their daughter’s honor and has since grown exponentially. This is their story:
“Four years ago, our lives were forever changed by an unimaginable tragedy. Our dear daughter, Evie, who was only 12 years old, lost her battle with the hidden struggles of emotional turmoil and took her own life. The pain we felt seemed unbearable, but from that darkness, Tiny Evie Rocks was born.
In the midst of our grief, we made a powerful choice to transform our heartbreak into something meaningful. We wanted to take action to prevent others from the same pain that shattered our world. And so, Tiny Evie Rocks was created, driven by a mission to bring light, hope, and understanding to the community.
Over the last three years, our organization has grown and expanded its efforts in equipping individuals with life-saving intervention skills through programs such as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and AS+K About Suicide To Save A Life Gatekeeper Training. These workshops empower individuals to recognize warning signs, engage in compassionate conversations, and connect those in need to life-saving support.
We didn't stop there. We knew that music has the power to heal, inspire, and unite, and could be used to connect with our community on a deeper level and foster a sense of belonging. We began organizing music-centric events where people could come together, celebrate life, share stories, engage in education, and raise awareness about the strength within. As we continue this transformative journey, we hold Evie's memory close to our hearts, treasuring the joy she brought into our lives. Tiny Evie Rocks has become our way of honoring her, a beacon of light that emerged from the shadows.
Through our programs, events, and unwavering dedication, we strive to honor Evie's spirit by spreading awareness, fostering understanding, and bringing hope to all those who need it. Though the pain of losing Evie will always remain, we have transformed it into a force for good. Every life saved, every heart healed, and every flicker of hope kindled in the shadows reminds us of our purpose. Together, we can build a world where inner strength matters, where nobody suffers alone, and where every young person finds the support they need to overcome their darkest moments.
Evie's legacy lives on through Tiny Evie Rocks, showing us the power of love, resilience, and the unshakable belief that even in the face of tragedy, hope will always find a way.“
Jessica Domingos, Executive Director and Co-Founder
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