SB1468 has passed the Senate Education Committee! The work is not done though. It now has to pass the entire Senate and if it passes the Senate, it will head to the House. Let’s get this passed! 1. Contact all members of the Senate and ask them to support it on the floor. 2. Ask [...]
Suicide is not always a choice made by what appears to be a relatively healthy person. Sometimes it is brought on by side effects of medication, and other times it can be brought on my mental illness. I think a lot of you survivors will be able to relate to my story. I have severe [...]
Yesterday was my 3rd wedding anniversary. I was reflecting on how blessed I am to have my husband, especially after all we have been through. Almost 3 years ago I lost my son Jake to suicide. Ben was a great stepfather and had been in my son's life for several years. The loss has devastated [...]
Faith-based leaders are often the first notified when a member is struggling with mental illness. They are in a unique position to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide hope to those in their congregation and their communities. Many individuals struggling with suicidal ideation are in a spiritual crisis. They may question their existence, [...]
(Phoenix, State Capitol) ----Senate President-elect Karen Fann today announced Senate committees and the chairs overseeing them in the 54th Legislature. Committee on Appropriations Sen. David Gowan-Chair Sen. Vince Leach-Vice Chair Committee on Commerce Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita-Chair Sen. Tyler Pace-Vice Chair Committee on Education Sen. Sylvia Allen-Chair Sen. Paul Boyer-Vice Chair Committee on Finance Sen. J.D. Mesnard-Chair [...]
Too long have schools and society ignored bullying. In many ways society has encouraged it. Going so far as to tell a young girl that if a boy hits them it is because they like them. What message does that send to young girls and boys? That it is ok to hurt someone because you [...]
Denise and Ben Denslow, LeAnn Hull and Tim Warnock know the endless pain a parent suffers when their child dies by suicide. That’s why the three attended a Chandler Unified School Board meeting, urging that the district pay more attention to the heartbreaking problem. Their pleas came in the wake of two apparent teen suicides [...]
Suicide awareness month is upon us. During this month we share with others and encourage them to reach out. I have felt compelled to share my story. Perhaps you will read about me and see yourself. Or you will see a friend, a loved one, a co-worker who needs your help. My hope is that [...]
Being a high school teacher, I see the effects of bullying on a weekly, if not daily, basis. I see it in the words of bullied kids, and in the way it makes the lives of many a living hell. Thankfully, there are procedures and policies in place to deal with school bullying, and because [...]
I am sure you have heard the term cyberbullying, but have you taken time to truly think about what it is and the trauma it creates? I know we see the statistics, but do you see the person behind the statistics? Cyberbullying is any form of bullying that takes place over the internet with digital [...]
