Suicide is everyone’s business.
SASS (Suicide Awareness Survivor Support) believes the public must be educated about suicide.
With that in mind, we have five steps that we’re taking to make sure that “Suicide is everyone’s business.” Those steps are:
- Education
- Public awareness
- Networking with healthcare agencies
- Uniting survivors
- Providing information to area support groups
You are not alone.
The Impact of Suicide
Awareness
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
It is the 2nd leading cause of death for those ages 10-34. Most people who die by suicide don’t want to die.
They want to end their pain.
Understanding
There is no single reason for suicide.
Most people experience some suicidal thinking at brief periods in the course of life.
There are effective treatments available for those struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Impact
There is help for those experiencing loss
In a study of those who attended survivors’ support groups, 94% found them to be moderately to highly helpful.
All of the survivors in the study reported that talking one on one with another survivor was moderately to highly helpful.
Support Groups
The only cure for grief is to grieve.
We understand that suicide grief is different, and can feel isolating.
SASS unites survivors of suicide – the family, friends and others affected by the death of a loved one by suicide – by providing a community support group that serves the Kansas City metropolitan area. Our support group is led by those that have also experienced a loss to suicide. We understand and we are here for you.
Support Groups
SASS-MoKan
Mickey & Bonnie Swade
Advent Health Woodland Hills Building, Flint Hills Room,
7315 Frontage Road, Shawnee Mission, KS
913.221.4759
Through This Together
Tom Phillips & Tammy Worley, facilitators
Peer-led grief support group currently meeting virtually via Google Meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. For more information or a link to the meeting, visit throughthis.org/contact-us or call (913) 544-8152
Marcia Epstein
Lawrence, KS – (785) 331-6440
Martha Stevens
Manhattan, KS – (785) 249-1648
Topeka HEALs – Healing After Loss to Suicide
Topeka,KS – (785) 380-9309
Robin Minzes
Independence, MO – (816) 516-3511
