July 2024 Call to Action

The monthly newsletter of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN)

Call to Action

TSPN is calling for all-hands-on-deck support to recruit Boys and Girls Clubs in rural counties* for Sources of Strength implementation. We have made excellent progress training organizations across the state, yet we have funding to support three additional trainings before August 31st. For eligible organizations, we can provide over a $6,000 value to help stand up Sources of Strength programs. Please help us by providing a “warm” introduction to your contacts with Boys and Girls clubs in your region.

Specifically, we are asking our partners across the state to send a virtual introduction to contact points for Tennessee Boys and Girls Clubs to Youth Programs Director, Kearee Jackson, at kjackson@tspn.org, copying me at asever@tspn.org, along with possible dates for implementation. We need these in hand by 5 PM Central on July 31.

To learn more about Sources of Strength, visit: tspn.org/sources-of-strength

With gratitude,

Anna

*For our purposes, "rural counties" are defined as any county besides Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan.

In this issue

Special announcement from our Executive Assistant

Photos from our Advisory Council retreat

Upcoming local and statewide events

and more!

Special Announcement from the

Executive Assistant

I started as TSPN’s Executive Assistant not long before earning my master’s degree at Vanderbilt Divinity School in 2004, helping to transform the Network’s vision of a statewide suicide prevention resource from vision to reality. I left TSPN in 2017 due to restructuring within the agency. Almost as if by chance, this very same position was open and waiting in 2021, when I once more found myself looking for work. This time, however, I became the Executive Assistant not just for TSPN but for the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, and other Addiction Services (TAADAS) as well.

Over the past twenty years, I have watched TSPN evolve from a small group of volunteers into an exemplar of public-private partnership, replicated by other states seeking to build a comprehensive model for preventing suicide. I like to think I played a key role in establishing the Regional Director model that currently provides our volunteers with resources and training opportunities within their communities and neighborhoods. Meanwhile, I have made professional connections and, more importantly, friends in places throughout Tennessee, maintaining those relationships despite changes in job roles and locations.

Finally, TSPN provided this once aspiring minister and theologian with unforeseen opportunities to offer hope, support, and counsel when they needed it most. Occasionally, I used its resources as a lifeline during my own lingering struggles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Usually, an announcement like the one you are reading ends with a notice that someone is leaving and words of farewell, but not this one. I am staying with TSPN and TAADAS, but I am taking a new position effective July 1. I will be originating the role of Communications Assistant, helping both organizations build, shape, and refine their public outreach through newsletters, social media, and special announcements. Some of you may have already seen my work in the TSPN Call to Action, the TAADAS Times, and the announcements and social media postings for both agencies. You can still expect to hear from me across all these communications from our two agencies going forward.

My new position will involve less of the logistical work of the Executive Assistant job. However, I will support the training of the new TSPN Executive Assistant. Naturally, I will still eagerly follow the work of my colleagues and friends within TSPN as I help broadcast all your latest success stories and promote the life-changing, life-saving work of both agencies. I am pleased to take on this new role, making the best possible use of my talents for the benefit of us all.

Yours sincerely,

Vladimir Enlow, MTS

TSPN is seeking applicants for a new Executive Assistant to fill the vacancy created by Vladimir's promotion. We are also taking applications for a new Regional Director to support the recently added Greater Nashville Region within TSPN. This new region will cover Davidson, Rutherford, and Wilson counties.

Cover letters and resumes for both positions may be sent to the TSPN central office at tspn@tspn.org.

TSPN's statewide Advisory Council met at the Lodge at Falls Creek Falls State Park in Spencer on June 17-18. This group photo, taken after proceedings wrapped up on the second day.

The Council devoted the first day of the retreat to recreational activities organized by its Outreach Committee. These included hiking tours offered by the park, a bonfire, and games.

Members held a business meeting of the Council on the second day. Major agenda items:

Discussion of plans for a statewide PSA campaign during September for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Updates on past and current projects from TSPN standing committees, regional networks, and issue-specific task forces, along with the Sources of Strength program
Confirmation of plans for the annual Survivors of Suicide Loss event and tentative plans for a statewide trainer summit during the first week of April
Distribution of copies of the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services Statewide Directory and Resource Information Guide, updated by TSPN
Updates to the regional resource guides and ESSENCE Response Plans for publication anticipated in Fall 2024.

The Advisory Council's next meeting will convene during the statewide conference, planned for September 26-27 at a location to be announced later.

TSPN is accepting submissions for this year's "Loved Never Dies" Memorial Quilt, to be dedicated at this year's Survivors of Suicide Loss event on November 2. For more information, visit the quilt information page at tspn.org/quilt or email Karyl Chastain Beal at karylofcolumbia@cs.com.

C-SSRS is a short questionnaire to estimate someone's suicide risk and other options for support. Anyone can use it, even it they don't have formal mental health training.

TSPN offers a set of printed quick-reference badges featuring the C-SSRS questions. You can add it to your lanyard with your other badges or keep it in your wallet. Visit tspn.org/cssrs to order badges for your agency or event, or to register for a 1-2 hour training to learn the finer points of the C-SSRS protocol.

The Suicide Prevention in the African American Faith Communities Coalition will stage its biennial conference on August 8 at Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Further details will be available closer to the event date.

TSPN is hosting its first annual Statewide Virtual 5k event during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. This event will help raise both funds and awareness to further TSPN's suicide prevention mission.

Because this event is virtual, you can choose to walk or run at times that work best for your schedule.

Participants will receive a medal. Early Bird registration is available at $20 through August 31 and will increase to $25 during September. Registration will open soon. Sponsorship opportunities will also be made available.

Be sure to check out details at tspn.org and our social media channels.