NEWS

Following twelve years of impact, Davidson LifeLine is joining forces with National Alliance on Mental Illness Charlotte, which covers all of Mecklenburg County. Davidson LifeLine will sunset, and NAMI Charlotte will assume the important work we began.

Founded in 1979, NAMI is the nation’s leading voice on mental health. They share our vision to support suicide awareness and to break down stigma around mental health. Our current program for suicide loss survivors, Hope After Suicide Loss, will continue, and with NAMI’s support and time-tested curricula we will expand other awareness programming in our area.

Many of you recall that in 2012, our small community lost five people to suicide, including the vivacious daughter of our very close friend. Town leaders and concerned citizens alike, led by then Mayor John Woods and Lynn Hennighausen ushered in a response. In the midst of tremendous grief we wondered, what can we do to help? From those first meetings of concerned and worried community members, Davidson LifeLine launched.

Over the years with many community partners, and thousands of dedicated volunteer hours, we helped. We taught life-saving skills through QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) to thousands of our 9th and 10th graders and adults, we hosted community conversations, speakers and workshops, created space for community grief and provided support to grieving families. We spearheaded and funded resilience education in our local schools. We showed up to talk about mental health and wellness at local events. We connected people to professional help. We advocated and represented our people to the Town, to the County, and our regional healthcare partners. Most importantly, by having these conversations, we broke down stigma around mental health and that saves lives.

There are so many people to thank. Leaders at Atrium’s Behavioral Health Davidson showed us the way. Our local churches and synagogue provided space and walked with us. Local businesses and civic groups raised money and awareness. So many organizations and individuals, too many to name, in Davidson and across the country have believed in our work and given us support. And thanks to all of you.

Today, stigma is still the number one reason why people do not seek needed mental health care. Nearly every family is touched by mental health concerns, and talking about it helps us all. Ask how your neighbors are and mean it. Have a conversation. This community cares; we know it because we have seen it time and time again.

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve this community.

In gratitude,

Your friends and neighbors at Davidson Lifeline.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. For emergencies, dial 911.