Baxter Health Behavioral Health is inviting the public to a free community event addressing suicide awareness and prevention. The discussion, titled “It’s a Tough Subject: A Conversation About Suicide,” will take place Saturday, September 12, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Vada Sheid Community Development Center on the ASU-Mountain Home campus, located at 1600 S. College Street.
The event, which requires no registration, will feature Dennis Gillan, a nationally recognized speaker on mental health and the founder of the Half a Sorrow Foundation. Gillan’s mission as a mental health advocate is deeply personal; he lost two brothers to suicide, eleven years apart. After navigating his own grief, he now dedicates his efforts to helping others engage in critical conversations about mental health. Known for his candid and relatable approach, Gillan’s presentations focus on recognizing distress in others, initiating dialogues about mental health, and reducing the stigma around seeking help.
Attendees will learn practical tools to identify when someone may be struggling and strategies for offering support. The program also emphasizes the role of community in fostering an environment where mental health is prioritized and help is accessible. Gillan’s overarching goal is to empower individuals to feel prepared and confident in addressing suicide risks.
Jamie Leach, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Behavioral Health and Community Relations Specialist at Baxter Health, underscored the importance of this event for the region. "This is exactly the kind of conversation our community needs to be having," said Leach. "Mental health touches every family, and we want people to feel equipped to support the people they love. Dennis Gillan has a gift for opening that door in a way that feels honest and accessible, and we are proud to bring him here."
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, highlighting the critical need for community education and awareness. Following the one-hour presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions during a dedicated Q&A session.
The event is open to everyone in the community. For additional details, contact Jamie Leach at (870) 508-6465 or jleach@baxterregional.org.