Suicide Prevention Month Wrap Up

September was suicide prevention month and there was so much work done throughout the community and nation to raise awareness and increase conversations on both mental health and suicide prevention. Here at The Kim Foundation we were able to do many things throughout the month. We presented throughout the community, held booths at different events, participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk, engaged in conversations on social media, and the Mental Health Awareness Team at C&A Industries held a BBQ to focus on suicide prevention awareness and raised funds for The Kim Foundation’s prevention efforts.

We were able to talk with many different people throughout the community on suicide prevention. We spoke to middle schoolers, high schoolers, churches, and businesses. These presentations were filled with great dialogue and conversation. We believe the more presentations we do in the community, the more people are going to be willing to seek help and/or help a friend or loved one. Contact us to request a presentation.

We also set up booths at different events throughout the community. We were at different college campuses, organizations, and conferences. Hosting a booth is a great way to increase conversation and bring awareness to both mental health and suicide prevention.

Along with presentations and booths, we also participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk put on by AFSP. This walk was held in downtown Omaha where thousands of individuals gathered to walk for loved ones they have lost to suicide. Before the walk, we had a booth set up where we were able to chat with many people and hear their stories. It was an incredibly powerful event.

We also participated in many different social media conversations. Social media can be both positive and negative, but throughout the month of September we saw just how positive it can be. Simply by tweeting or making a Facebook status, we are able to reach so many people. We participated in many different conversations with other organizations and learned more about the work they do. It was inspiring to see how many people, groups, and organizations are working so hard day in and day out to increase awareness.

Lastly, we were fortune enough to have the Mental Health Awareness Team at C&A Industries put on a BBQ to raise awareness. Employees were able to enjoy a delicious meal while also learning about suicide prevention and what resources are available in the community. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we have with the Mental Health Awareness Team and for the work they did to put on this awesome event!

Overall, it was a very busy month for us here at the foundation. We are so thankful to be in a community that supports not only us, but our mission. Yes September might be over, but our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to work hard to increase awareness and decrease suicides in our community, our nation, and our world.

Katie Zimmerman, Project Coordinator for The Kim Foundation

Katie Zimmerman joined The Kim Foundation in June 2019. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from Central College in Pella, Iowa. During her time in college, she volunteered at many non-profits organizations and took multiple sociology classes which focused on mental health. Katie’s role at The Kim Foundation includes running the social media accounts, assisting in the Youth Advisory Council, and providing mental health awareness and education to the community through A Voice for Hope and Healing presentations.