Cheers, Creative Enthusiasts,
I was honored recently with the opportunity to further help my great friend and client, Alivia Tagliaferri with promoting her upcoming documentary “Power of One: Preventing Suicide in America.” We once again worked side by side to make her dreams of creating a positive change for those suffering from mental illness and/or depression – this time by creating marketing materials for her movie preview that was held on Wednesday, September 9th in her hometown of Williamsport at the Community Arts Center.
There was a fantastic turnout of attendees all eager to hear Alivia's message and learn more about the stories of families struggling with the effects of suicide, so that we could all learn how to make a difference in preventing such tragedies. Alivia stresses in her message that it’s OK to talk about mental health! Dealing with suicide means creating a dialogue to connect communities around the nation dealing with the problem. Alivia Tagliaferri urged people to “keep the conversation going.” She says, “I feel blessed to do what I’m doing.”
I will share with you some of the valuable information that we featured on the “story stations” that we displayed in the reception area to help create a meaningful dialogue:
MYTH
Suicide can’t be prevented. If someone is set on taking their own life, there is nothing that can be done to stop them.
FACT
Suicide is preventable. The vast majority of people contemplating suicide don’t really want to die. They are seeking an end to intense mental and/or physical pain. Most have a mental illness. Interventions can save lives.
~ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Alivia and I created “Story Stations” that were displayed in the reception area that helped set the stage for her talk by sharing the facts surrounding suicide rates in America, those at risk, as well as how we can make a difference and where to turn for help. She also donated copies of her book Beyond The Wall to attendees.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Over 40,000 Americans died by suicide in 2012.
• An estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older – or about 1 in 4 adults – live with a diagnosable mental health disorder.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults.
• 67% of college students tell a friend they are feeling suicidal before telling anyone else.
• Suicide killed more service members in the U.S. Army than enemy combatants in 2012. The number of military spouses and children dying by suicide is currently unknown and untracked.
• 22 veterans die by suicide every day.
• Middle-aged men and women between the ages of 45 and 59 have the highest suicide rate in the U.S.
• Men who are 75 years or older have the 2nd highest rate of suicide.
• In 2013, the most recent year for which data is available, 494,169 people visited a hospital for injuries due to self-harm behavior.
90% of people who take their own life have
at least one and often more than one treatable mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and/or alcohol and substance abuse.
With better recognition and treatment, many suicides can be prevented.
Alivia Tagliaferri is featured here on stage as she presented her PowerPoint presentation. Giant Leaps Creative worked on the designs of the title page that you see featured here as well as the interior design and layout. Alivia gave her presentation like a pro followed by an engaging Q&A.
SUICIDE PREVENTION ORGANIZATIONS
National Suicide Prevention LifeLine – 1-800-273-TALK
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – www.sprc.org
National Foundation for Suicide Prevention – www.afsp.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness – www.nami.org
If you would like to contribute to help Alivia raise funds to complete her documentary, Power Of One: Preventing Suicide in America, please click here or click either of the photos in this post.
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Can I help create your promotional materials for your important, world changing mission or business, or help you with your new website launch, branding, T-shirt or invitation design? I invite you to contact me so that I can offer a free consultation and price quote for any of your design needs. Have an awesome week and happy creating!
To your creative endeavors!
Onward and upward.
Cathy Broadwell
Giant Leaps Creative LLC