Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention has to do with support, connection, and awareness.

Suicide is a scary word that most people don’t want to talk about. But it is silence that increases the risk. It is a real problem with multifaceted causes and solutions. The more we open communication with each other and are willing to talk about the hard stuff, the more lives can be saved.

Suicide Prevention Network

I am privileged to be a part of the Suicide Prevention Network here in northern Nevada. The Network’s mission is to “provide awareness, suicide prevention and support services through education, advocacy and intervention.”

​SPN was formed in 1999 as a response to the loss of a youth by suicide. Suicide Prevention Network offers peer and grief support groups, and advocacy for those suffering. They coordinate services and referrals for individuals and families and sponsor community awareness events. In addition, SPN provides resources for law enforcement and first responder personnel when working with families affected by suicide.

While the Suicide Prevention Network is not a 24-hour crisis hotline, they are available Monday-Thursday to offer resources for you to receive help and support in a confidential environment, free of charge.

Suicide Prevention Network
775-783-1510
Debbie debbie@spnawareness.org
1625 NV-88 #101, Minden, NV 89423 https://www.spnawareness.org/

Prevention in Action

Jody Quick is a member of the PTSD Support Group. After suffering a traumatic accident that resulted in losing his arm, and his life as he knew it, Jody put his pride aside and sought help. After time in behavioral health hospital, he saw a flyer about a bicycle scavenger hunt sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Network. It was hard for him to put himself out there, but with his sister and brother-in-law with him, he attended the event.

In Jody’s words:

“The three of us went on a bicycle scavenger hunt sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Network in Minden, Nevada. There I met some incredible people who would change my life. The members of the Suicide Prevention Network helped me realize that I was not alone in my depression. I learned there was help out there if you are depressed and feeling suicidal.”

Jody’s message:

“Even when it looks the darkest, there is always that little light, so please keep putting one foot in front of the other. Soon that little light will become brighter and brighter, and soon that darkness will fade away.

You will understand that life is worth living. If l can make it out of the darkness and into the light, you can too. One person can make a difference and change a life. One person can also save a life.              

If you are depressed and feeling suicidal, or you know someone who may be suicidal, get help. Assist that person in getting help. I asked for help. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Every needs help at some point in their life. Help is available.”

Programs to Help

Suicide Prevention Network is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through support, education, and advocacy. Please join us at any of the following groups:​

• PTSD Support Group—Free group for anyone 18+ who has experienced trauma. Come share and develop new skills on your path toward healing. Meets 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays 6-7:30pm, SPN office 1625 Hwy 88 #101 Minden, NV
• Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group—Free group (for anyone 18+) provides healing and support through grief and complex emotions for those who have lost someone to suicide. Meets 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays 6-7:30pm, SPN office1625 Hwy 88 #101 Minden, NV
• Growth Through Change—Free peer-led program that offers tools to help navigate the challenges of life. Meets 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm, Douglas County Community Center 1329 Waterloo Ln. Gardnerville, NV
• Living Out Loud—Free Teen Advocacy Group encourages growth through self-directed activities. Meets 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays 2:45-4pm, SPN office1625 Hwy 88 #101 Minden, NV
• Maturing Men’s Group—Therapeutic Support for Men Over 50. Call for info and to reserve a spot: Frank Jacobelli, MSW, LCSW 775-691-3482

​​A Message from Suicide Prevention Network

When it hurts to live, it helps to talk. Suicide Prevention Network offers group settings where you will find help, hope, comfort, understanding and support in a confidential environment with others who are feeling the very same way. You are not alone.

Suicide Prevention Network
775-783-1510
Debbie debbie@spnawareness.org
1625 NV-88 #101, Minden, NV 89423

Suicide prevention is really about rediscovering life. Trauma, heart-rending life changes, and struggles with mental health and addiction can cloud our vision. Life can become gray and heavy, but there is always a way to find the beauty in life again. “When it hurts to live, it helps to talk”. You are not alone. The Suicide Prevention Network and organizations like it help those who are struggling to rediscover a life worth living.

Freedom in Sharing

Coming Event: safeTALK Suicide Awareness Training

Friday March 15, 2024 9am-12:30pm—In only a few hours, you will learn how to provide practical help to persons with thoughts of suicide. Register by contacting Kim DesRoches at kim.desroches@wnc.edu