Today we were joined by Meghan Gwaltney, Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The grassroots work they do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by:
• Delivering innovative prevention education programs
• Advocating for public policies that are smart about mental health
• Raising funds for suicide research and programs
• Reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide
Learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention online at AFSP.org/Chapter/Tennessee.
This Spring, Singer-songwriters Lana Scott, Kate Vogel and Maggie Baugh and Standup Comedian Stephanie Foster will bring their talents to Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre for “Be The Light: Spotlighting Mental Health – Concert & Comedy for a Cause,” an annual benefit for Suicide Prevention.
TUESDAY EVENT:
“Be The Light” makes its debut on Tuesday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m. at The Belcourt Theatre located at 2102 Belcourt Ave in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village neighborhood. Hosted by The Voice Top-8 Semi-Finalist Lana Scott, proceeds will benefit the Tennessee chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP-TN). Ticketing purchase and sponsorship information can be found online at supporting.afsp.org/event/bethelight.
EMAIL: To learn more or to learn about support groups, you can email Gwaltney at "Mgwaltney@afsp.org".
“This new Nashville tradition will shine a light on mental health through personal stories, music, and comedy,” said AFSP-TN Chair Paul Augustyniak. “This will become our flagship annual event, alongside our yearly Out of the Darkness Community and Campus Walks. These events help fund our programs and services for those who’ve lost someone to suicide and those who struggle,” he added.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Tennesseans ages 25-34 and the ninth-leading cause in the Volunteer State overall. In 2020, the year for which the most recent data is available, 1,220 Tennesseans died by suicide.* “It’s a complex mental health issue and we believe that by speaking out about mental health, we can reduce the stigma, encourage people to seek help, and most importantly, save lives,” said Augustyniak. “Our artists all have a personal connection to mental health struggle and suicide loss, and we are honored that they are joining us for this fun and very special evening.”
In addition to enjoying performances by Scott, Baugh, Vogel, and Foster, attendees can bid on silent auction items including a live painting by Nashville artist Aaron Grayum, a hotel package from The Joseph Nashville, wine event packages from Vivino Selections and Total Wine & More, themed baskets from BBCreations615, an adventure voucher from Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts, and more.
Proceeds will help fund AFSP Tennessee’s work to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide in Tennessee, including free suicide prevention education programming for schools, civic groups and community organizations; support programs for those who’ve lost someone to suicide; and advocacy efforts on behalf of policies that are smart about mental health and that protect all Tennesseans.
Learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention online at AFSP.org/Chapter/Tennessee.
