Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, episode 21, 'Preventing Youth Suicide' with Dawn Doherty, Executive Director from the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.
Our conversation starts with Dawn sharing information about her background and where she thought her career path was heading after college. She did not envision that she was going to be working or leading a non-profit organization. She had internships on Wall Street and thought she would be working in the for profit world, but we learn that where we start is truly only part of our journey. Dawn says, "The universe always puts you in the place where you are supposed to be."
Dawn validates the concept that not-for-profit organizations should be characterized as for impact organizations. "We need to be profitable in order to keep the doors open. The work we are doing is for impact and recognizing that not for-profit is a tax status." Listen in for more information on this concept.
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide was founded by two fathers who were friends who each lost a child to suicide. They fostered their devastation by creating something positive for the community. That was 16 years ago. Their focus was on increasing the awareness, educating the community, and decreasing the stigma around teen suicide, and mental illness. SPTS believes in building caring, compassionate communities that helps support kids
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide developed a free online training for school teachers to help they better understand the warning signs and connect students that need additional support from other resources. The organization has trained over 550,000 educators across the country.
The focus on schools has been because children spend long periods of times in school during non-pandemic times. The organization also recognizes the need to speak to parents, community members like coaches and faith based leaders to ensure a strong foundation of support around our kids. There are additional programs that SPTS holds to have open discussion around the topic of stress management and suicide prevention for teens. You can find out more on their website. We need to remember that kids are not looking for judgement or our personal experiences to connect to. They want to be heard and supported where they are in their own struggle.
During the pandemic, Society for the Prevention created an online free learning experience for school communities called Navigating Back to School - a trauma informed care online learning experience.
Dawn says, "check in on people." We need to ask how people are doing and make sure they feel supported or feel comfortable and safe to ask for support. There is help out there for everyone. Listen in to hear more about the warning signs your teen or pre-teen may be exhibiting that may mean they are in need of additional support.
Help is available:
Second Floor Youth Helpline - text 1-888-222-2228
Crisis Text Line outside of NJ: 741741
For more resources for teens, parents, and teachers: https://sptsusa.org
For online training go to: https://sptsuniversity.org.
Facebook & Instagram: @sptsusa
Listen in to hear Dawn's response to the question, if I knew then what I know now?
Thank you to Dawn Doherty for being a guest. As Dawn says, "we are 100% stronger together."
On the next Podcast episode, I welcome my guest Jason Spiewak, Founder & CEO, JLS Artist Management and Noble Steed Music. We discuss the music industry and Jason's journey to managing talent and producing music. You will also hear the incredible work Jason does through the Music is Love Exchange.
Have a great week everyone!