When a suicide takes place in our community, how we talk about it matters. Whether you're a journalist or someone sharing thoughts online—your words carry weight. Get messaging tips from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (sprc.org). #988Lifeline

Amy Bechtol, MA, MS, CPRS is a consultant and advocate in mental health and addiction recovery. Her academic career spanned 25 years, teaching psychology at the university level and publishing peer-reviewed research in health-related behavior change and persuasion.

Joseph Chatman III, MSW chairs TSPN Montgomery-Houston-Humphreys-Robertson-Stewart County Suicide Prevention Task Force. He is a leader within Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and has produced videos promoting self-care and suicide prevention for TSPN's social media channels.

When it comes to addressing PTSD, many treatment modalities are available. What is considered a best practice? Evidence points to exposure treatment as a top-notch approach. 💡Learn more about it ow.ly/M4Kc50W0fhp #NationalPTSDAwarenessMonth

TSPN has launched a public service announcement with voice professional Nancy Lynne Walters of #YourProfessionalVoice and the #TNBroadcasters Learn about TSPN and how we can prevent suicide together. Listen to the PSA here: ow.ly/uJAT50W4vyN

Dr. Jolene Cook, Psy.D., LCSW is a Community Engagement & Partnerships Coordinator (CEPC) with the VA Medical Center in Chattanooga. She served 18 years in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, and she still serves in the Tennessee National Guard as a behavioral health officer.

Thanks to the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, TSPN is able to distribute gun locks widely across Tennessee to help keep safely stored when not in use. Order here ow.ly/2TMP50W0fFb

Audrey Elion, Ph.D. is the owner of Elion Management Consulting, LLC, and President of the Tennessee Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, a division of the Tennessee Counseling Association.

Older, white men are at the greatest risk for death by suicide. Check in on your dads, brothers, uncles, and other males in your life. Know the warning signs, ask questions. Read more and learn during #NationalMensHealthWeek. ⭐ow.ly/8xXU50W0fS5

TSPN is looking for volunteers to help promote our efforts in suicide awareness and prevention in EVERY Tennessee community! Contact us at [email protected].

Dr. Stephanie Evans, Ph.D., LPC/MHSP-S, NCC is Executive Director of Mighty Oak Christian Mental Health Services in Springfield, an adjunct professor at Austin Peay State University, and Secretary for the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association.

Here's a shoutout to all the dads and father figures out there. Enjoy your day!

Stacie Fernandez, BA is the Director of Business Development at Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Jackson. Outside of her day job, Stacie is a volunteer with CASA of Midwest Tennessee, serving as a court advocate for abused and neglected children in Carroll and Gibson Counties.

Mark your calendar for this upcoming event!

Nora Fielding is on the board and responsible for marketing for Team Honor, a non-profit organization that provides support and raises awareness for families with someone serving in the armed forces and those who have lost a military family member.

In honor of the Juneteenth holiday, our office will be closed. If you are in a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through call, text or chat. Crisis counselors will be able to assist and refer you to resources in your community.

Megan Gaylord, LPC-MHSP is the suicide prevention trainer for a child-serving non-profit agency. She also maintains a supervision practice, Back Porch Counseling, Consulting, and Publishing. She has served previously as adjunct faculty at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Brenda Harper, BSW worked at Volunteer Behavioral Health for 35 years, retiring in 2013 as the Center Director for three agency locations. Now she is a member of Volunteer's Board of Directors and actively involved with the Trousdale and Wilson County Health Councils.

TSPN's Greater Memphis Region will host a Suicide Prevention Conference on Sept. 19. Mark your calendars! 📅

Men's Health Month message: You don’t have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Asking for help is a strength! Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Helpline – even if you just want someone to talk, chat, or text with. Check out our resources tspn.org/mental-health-… #MensHealthMonth