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#1: Dr. Jeff Thompson, a research psychologist at Columbia University Medical Center and retired NYPD detective, will present in For All Seasons “Be a Lifeline: Recognizing and Responding to Those at Risk of Suicide” free speaker series in September in Easton.

#2: Andrew Moon, suicide expert and leader within the Veterans Affairs’ National Suicide Prevention Program, will present in For All Seasons “Be a Lifeline: Recognizing and Responding to Those at Risk of Suicide” free speaker series in September in Cambridge.

No Matter What… You Matter is a suicide awareness campaign started by For All Seasons in 2017 and recognized in September of each year. The initiative’s goal is to prevent suicide on Maryland’s Eastern Shore through education and increased access to crisis resources. This year, the 8th annual NMWYM free speaker’s series, entitled “Be a Lifeline: Recognizing and Responding to Those at Risk of Suicide,” will be offered in Easton and Cambridge shining a light on how we can each play a critical role in suicide prevention.

Suicide is a leading cause of death on the Eastern Shore and in the United States. 90% of those who died by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition. There are proven treatments to help with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. As a community, we can all play a role in suicide prevention by checking in, listening, and connecting those in need of professional help.

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, Dr. Jeff Thompson, a research psychologist at Columbia University Medical Center and retired NYPD detective, will discuss key risk factors and warning signs of suicide; clarify and separate common myths from facts about suicide; and provide practical tips for everyone, regardless of background, to help prevent suicide.

Dr. Thompson is a research psychologist and scientist working in translational research – researching to develop evidence-based and practical interventions, strategies, and practices for people to enhance their resilience; support their ability to manage crises, conflicts, and disputes; and prevent suicide. He recently retired from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) after serving for more than 20 years as a detective, their first-ever mental health and wellness coordinator, and as a hostage negotiator.

The second event in the speaker series, “We All Have a Role to Play in Suicide Prevention,” will be held on September 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Packing House in Cambridge. The presentation will be led by Dr. Andrew Moon, currently working within the Department of Defense’s Office of Force Resiliency leading efforts to improve public health and suicide prevention at every military installation worldwide, and facilitated by For All Seasons President and CEO Beth Anne Dorman. Participants will strengthen their awareness around the topic of suicide prevention, and learn how to reduce suicide risks, leaving attendees with the hope, readiness, and strategies to make a difference in their community. In addition to these events, For All Seasons will distribute suicide prevention rack cards to local businesses and others throughout the community to help with its awareness campaign.

Checking in with someone could help save a life. If someone you know is showing signs of depression, withdrawal, or unusual behavior, take time to check in. Reach out to your circle of friends and family. Be attentive to those with whom you have concerns and connect them to resources. There are proven treatments to help those with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Someone experiencing a crisis may not recognize that suicidal thoughts are often temporary, and with professional support, hope and healing are within their reach.

ASK “Are you OK? Are you having suicidal thoughts?” Be direct and compassionate. Research shows that asking this question will not put the idea into someone’s mind.

LISTEN You don’t need to have all the answers. Be fully present without judgment. Allow the person to share their story.

SHARE “You are not alone. Help is available.” Connect them to services. For All Seasons is just a phone call away.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the event, reach out to Lauren Weber, Vice President of Strategy and Development at lweber@forallseasonsinc.org. For All Seasons provides 24-hour crisis hotlines, same-day crisis appointments, and expert mental health services for anyone in need, regardless of ability to pay. Most importantly, if you need suicide prevention resources and a step-by-step conversation guide or for information about the upcoming speakers series, visit https://www.nomatterwhatyoumatter.org/. For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines are English 410.820.5600 and Español 410.829.6143. English/Español Text is 410.829.6143. For the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Dial 988.

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.