Kelli and Brian Thomas will visit Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) later this month to share the story of their son Skyler, who would have been a high school senior this year.
The ASUMH Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program is hosting the event on Tuesday, September 22, in Room H104 of the Gotaas Lecture Hall. The Thomases are scheduled to speak at two different times that day, first at 9:45 a.m. and again at 1 p.m.
The couple has stated that their goal in telling Skyler’s story is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open discussions about mental health and suicide. They hope attendees will learn to recognize when someone is struggling and develop the confidence to reach out and offer support.
Although the event was initially organized with EMS students and professionals in mind, program organizers later decided to extend the invitation to the broader ASUMH campus and the surrounding community. The event is open to the public, and there is no cost to attend.
Anyone in need of immediate mental health assistance is encouraged to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers free and confidential support 24/7. Trained counselors can be reached by calling or texting 988.