Life and Death,
Let’s Talk About It.
We believe that one suicide is too many.
Zero Suicides is Our Mission
While not all suicides are preventable, most are. We believe our community can achieve zero suicides and we will continue to work towards that goal. Improving our system is a matter of life and death for many individuals. This goal is woven into everything we do.
In 2020, estimated suicide attempts
In 2020, Americans died by suicide
%
of all suicides, In 2020, involved firearms.
Resources
Crisis Resources
SMART Team – 9.1.1
The goal of the SMART Team is to de-escalate situations that have historically resulted in arrest or hospitalization and to assess whether the person should be referred for local treatment services or a higher level of care. S.M.A.R.T. will respond in-person to emergency and nonemergency mental health crisis calls.
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections – 720.610.2670
24/7 in-person, mobile crisis response in Summit County. Immediate support when you need help the most.
Colorado Mental Health Line – 9.8.8
The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is available for free, immediate, human support 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional, mental health, or substance use concern, call, text, or live chat with 988 today.
ARISE – 970.668.3906
Supports all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Summit County, Colorado.
Suicide
SpeakUp ReachOut – Suicide Prevention Coalition of Eagle County
Speakup Reachout – Suicide Loss Survivors Group Series
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Suicide Bereavement Support Groups.
Suicideology – American Association of Suicide. Resources. Programs. Membership.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – You are not alone. Resources. Real Stories. How to make a difference.
Now matters now – Having suicidal thoughts? Problems that feel unsolvable? We’ve been there and can help.
Mental Health Resources
View Building Hope’s extensive Mental Health Resources.
Understanding Suicide loss
About Todd Perkins …..
In partnership with the Summit County Coroner’s Office and S.M.A.R.T. (System-wide Mental Assessment Response Team) Program, Building Hope distributes “We Care” packages to survivors of suicide loss as well as attempt survivors in Summit County, Colorado. The purpose of the package is to provide the recipient with support and resources on their journey toward healing.
The impact of suicide loss or attempted suicide on an individual is profound and often accompanied by a wide range of emotions and unique challenges.
For those who have lost a loved one to suicide, the grief can be overwhelming and complex. The sudden and unexpected nature of the loss can make it especially difficult to process.
The path to recovery for people who have survived an attempt can involve physical, emotional, and psychological components. Additionally, attempt survivors may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame.
It is common for both attempt and loss survivors to feel stigmatized and isolated. We Care packages aim to reduce these challenges and provide hope, empathy, and resources for those affected as they move through their own unique healing process.
Building Hope is able to provide one We Care Package per household at no cost. This is made possible through generous community donations, organizational partners, and grant funding. Donations to support the program are greatly appreciated. The value of each package is $65.
Building Hope distributes “We Care” packages to survivors of suicide loss as well as attempt survivors of Summit County, Colorado. Individuals may request a WeCare package for themselves or someone else by filling out the form below.
When a family member takes their life, it wasn’t because they were weak. It’s because they tried to be strong for too long.
Suicide Prevention Action Team (SPAT)
The Suicide Prevention Action Team (SPAT) of Summit County is a group convened by Building Hope committed to preventing suicide and strengthening mental wellness in our community. We bring together community members, organizational leaders, and individuals passionate about suicide prevention to coordinate local efforts and support those in need.
What We Do
SPAT promotes suicide prevention through community events, training and education, resource sharing, and data-informed strategies that address local needs. We use the 6 pillars of suicide prevention to guide our efforts as well as knowledge of the local community.
Expectations for Members
SPAT members participate by attending quarterly meetings, reviewing local data, contributing ideas that help guide prevention efforts, and supporting the planning and attending of SPAT events and initiatives.
How to Get Involved
Reach out to info@buildinghopesummit.org if you are interested in becoming a member of SPAT.
Real Stories
Nancy Kerry - Everlasting Hope
“Okay, I’m going to call it,” I heard the doctor begin to say… looking at all of us surrounding Dustin there in the trauma center. His best friends, his family, all of us, holding onto him. “No!” I pleaded with the doctor as if my pleading could change anything … “Please don’t say it, please don’t, please….” as the doctor called the time of death early in the afternoon on the same day my father had died 15 years before, my son was declared to be, no longer living.
Otto Reyna - Overcoming a suicide tragedy
“In my culture, the subject of mental health, and especially suicide, is taboo,” he said. “But poor mental health is happening so much more with the pandemic. We have to start talking about it more so people can get help. It’s not easy to go through this.”
Otto’s own mental health journey began with the August suicide of a tenant in an upstairs bedroom of the home Otto was renting in Frisco.
Jennifer Horne - Breaking the family cycle
For several years Jen Horne kept a huge family secret to herself. This generated feelings of guilt and shame- leading to anxiety and deep depression. “I stayed in bed as much as possible. My anxiety was crippling, I felt stuck and paralyzed as it took over my entire body,” shares Jen. “I was terrified of being found out, that my secret would leak. I felt completely unworthy and ashamed.”
Need help now? Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255), text TALK to 38255, or access chat via www.coloradocrisisservices.org. Help and hope are available 24/7, 365 days/year.
How to Talk About Suicide
Showing Concern For Someone
At Risk
Everyone can clearly see the pain of a physical injury, but it’s the trauma we hold inside that hurts the most. If you believe that a loved one is at risk of dying by suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out.
The fact that talking about suicide is endlessly helpful doesn’t mean it’s not still difficult to do. A lot of us are nervous about talking to a loved one about suicide because we’re frightened we might say the wrong thing. We want to ease your fears. Below find some helpful tools for talking about suicide with the people in your life.
Why you should talk to kids about suicide.
Suicide rates are rising in the U.S., specifically among kids between the ages of 10 and 14, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That’s true for depression, too: One recent Centers for Disease Control study of depression found that 5.7% of kids ages 12 to 17 met the criteria. Causes traditionally range from the increased use of cell phones and social media to major transitions or life events like family stress or family history.
Whatever the cause, says Dr. Anthony, there’s a direct correlation between rising rates of suicide and depression, and it affects teens regardless of race, class or background. For parents, prevention starts with knowing the signs.
We’re All Imperfect. You Are Not Alone.
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BUILDING HOPE CANNOT SUPPORT CRISIS CALLS. IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, PLEASE CALL 911 AND ASK FOR SMART TEAM ASSISTANCE. OR FOR NON-EMERGENT NEEDS CALL COLORADO CRISIS SERVICES AT 844-493-8255 OR Text “TALK” to 38255.
Address
Mail: PO Box 6745, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Call Us
(970) 485-6271