Resources: Half a Sorrow Foundation: www.halfasorrow.org Book a Talk with Dennis Gillan: https://halfasorrow.org/book-a-talk/ Make a Donation: https://halfasorrow.org/support-our-work/

The Speedy Foundation: https://thespeedyfoundation.org Mental Health First Aid information QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Shannon Decker: Shannon Decker is the Executive Director of The Speedy Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. The foundation was established in memory of Shannon's cousin, Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, a silver medal-winning Olympian and member of the US ski team who tragically died by suicide. With a background in education and nonprofit leadership, Shannon is a passionate advocate for mental health literacy and has been involved in numerous programs and legislative efforts aimed at improving mental health resources and suicide prevention strategies across the United States.

In this episode, hosts Dennis Gillan and Jessica Seel welcome Shannon Decker, Executive Director of The Speedy Foundation. The discussion delves into Shannon's personal connection to suicide prevention and the impactful work her foundation is spearheading in honor of her late cousin, Olympic silver medalist Jeret "Speedy" Peterson. This deeply moving conversation shines a light on the critical need for mental health advocacy and the various programs that Shannon is leading to address these issues head-on.

Throughout the episode, Shannon shares insights into the establishment of The Speedy Foundation and its quick impact in Idaho and Utah, notably helping to relaunch a suicide prevention hotline. The conversation touches on the challenges and advancements in mental health awareness, training, and legislative advocacy. With a focus on robust mental health training programs like QPR and Mental Health First Aid, Shannon emphasizes the necessity of widespread mental health literacy. The discussion also covers postvention strategies and the essential role they play in prevention efforts, highlighting how communities can respond effectively to suicide tragedies.

• Swift Action for Impact: The Speedy Foundation was founded just days after Jeret "Speedy" Peterson's death, promptly addressing mental health needs with significant actions like relaunching a suicide hotline in Idaho.

• Innovative Training Programs: Shannon has expanded her work to include various mental health training programs, aiming to reach parity with CPR training rates.

• Challenges in Suicide Prevention: The conversation highlights challenges in engaging communities in suicide prevention training, especially post-COVID, where attendance has declined.

• Postvention is Prevention: Emphasizing the importance of postvention, Shannon discusses how addressing the impacts of suicide through community involvement can prevent further tragedies.

• Legislative Successes and Setbacks: Shannon shares insights from her successes and ongoing efforts in advocating for legislative changes that enhance suicide prevention resources.

1. "My why is really just that everyone needs to know that it's okay to talk directly about suicide." - Shannon Decker

2. "In 2016, Idaho became one of the last states to fund its suicide hotline, showing the power of collective advocacy." - Shannon Decker

3. "Some of the best suicide prevention is postvention." - Shannon Decker

4. "We need to get mental health literacy rates as saturated as CPR rates." - Shannon Decker

5. "If the family's not willing to talk about it, it just builds more shame and stigma." - Shannon