Tia

I am a junior from Grand Junction, a city on the western slope of Colorado. With a local suicide rate that is almost double the national average, as well as personal experience in coping with the loss of classmates, friends and a parent to suicide, I am committed to starting the conversation to break the stigma surrounding mental health. I actively work to prevent suicide in my community through engagement and unification spanning all demographics — starting in the hallways. Aside from being a people person, I am also a stereotypical Coloradoan: I love to ski, play lacrosse, do yoga and explore the outdoors.

My HERlead Project: COFFEE SHOP TALK

For my HERlead Project, I will de-stigmatize mental health through a safe, open forum every Sunday to provide a struggling community with the opportunity to discuss mental health issues, and mourn the loved ones they have lost from suicide.

Categories

Public Health