CPNP Foundation Promotes Action Items for Suicide Prevention at CPNP 2019

The CPNP Foundation presented a life-saving campaign during CPNP 2019 that encouraged attendees to #BeThe1To save a life. Five simple action items were highlighted that can help people living with a mental illness. BeThe1To:

1. ASK how someone is feeling.
2. KEEP THEM SAFE if someone is having thoughts about self-harm.
3. BE THERE if someone feels alone.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT if someone is feeling withdrawn.
5. FOLLOW UP if you have spoken to someone about suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

These powerful action items were reinforced throughout the 3.5 day event. To start off the annual meeting, two pre-meeting workshops featuring suicide prevention strategies were offered to which 183 attended! Of this group, 58 people attended the Mental Health First Aid workshop and are now certified for 3 years.

Throughout the event, people could be seen wearing #BeThe1To t-shirts while others took pictures in front of the signature wall. T-shirt sales supported the Foundation and NAMI equally, and with a generous match from CPNP, $4500 has been donated to NAMI! Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important campaign.

We hope attendees and non-attendees alike will commit these action items to memory and ultimately prevent suicidal thoughts and actions.