The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work will host a powerful and deeply personal conversation on suicide prevention during Suicide Prevention Month, designed to foster a culture of hope, healing and community support.
September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness, promote hope and encourage people to seek help.
The Community Voices for Suicide Prevention event will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the School of Social Work and Smart Hospital Building. As part of the school’s ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and community engagement, this panel discussion will address the urgent need for open dialogue about suicide, share practical prevention tools and explore ways to support those who may be struggling.
Bringing a range of personal experiences and professional expertise, the panel features four distinguished voices in mental health advocacy:
Brad Hunstable, CEO and founder of Linear Labs, turned his grief into advocacy after the tragic loss of his 12-year-old son, Hayden, to suicide in 2020. Through Hayden’s Corner, the foundation he created in his son’s honor, Hunstable shares Hayden’s story nationwide to break the stigma around mental health and inspire communities to take action.
Esmeralda Nava, a licensed master social worker and UTA alumna, represents the Grant Halliburton Foundation. She connects individuals to mental health resources through the Here for Texas Mental Health Navigation Line and works to close gaps in access to culturally responsive care, especially for Hispanic/Latino communities.
Kristi Wiley, Vice President of programs at The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, is both a suicide loss survivor and a nationally recognized trainer. She has equipped more than 14,000 people with the life-saving QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) method, and her work spans from training youth peer helpers to preparing community members to recognize and respond to signs of crisis.
Guiding the conversation will be Dr. Donna Schuman, associate professor at UTA’s School of Social Work. With nearly two decades of clinical and research experience, Schuman’s work centers on trauma in military personnel and innovative mental health interventions, bringing both compassion and expertise to the discussion.
This event invites UTA students, faculty, alumni and community members to come together in an open, supportive environment. Attendees will leave with greater awareness, practical tools and a renewed understanding that hope and help are always within reach. Continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered for social work professionals attending the event.
To RSVP, visit https://forms.office.com/r/0Uc3uwsQRx