Local clergy and JFS therapists attend In Shared Memory as part of JFS Suicide Prevention Awareness programming. L-R: Maura Kinney, Audrey Burnett, Rabbi Kelly Levy, Cantorial Soloist Sarah Avner, Rabbi Eleanor Steinman, Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Rabbi Amy B. Cohen. Credit: Allison Teegardin

By Alyssa Gilden, Ph.D. and Amanda Mills, LCSW-S

[Content Warning: This article mentions suicide and describes programming geared to support suicide prevention and awareness.]

In September, Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service held several events in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to support survivors of suicide loss, raise awareness about suicide prevention, and educate community members on how to build a suicide safer community. The events included an outdoor gathering to remember those who died by suicide, a documentary film screening and panel discussion in partnership with the Austin Jewish Film Festival, Caring Contacts tables around the Dell Jewish Community Campus, engagements at multiple synagogues, a Teen Mental Health First Aid training, and a suicide prevention training for Shalom Austin staff members.

At In Shared Memory, Shalom Austin’s Community Chaplain Rabbi Amy B. Cohen and JFS’ Grief and Loss Therapists Maura Kinney and Audrey Burnett, along with local Austin clergy (Rabbi Kelly Levy, Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Rabbi Ellie Steinman, and Cantorial Soloist Sarah Avner) held a gathering in the Judy Waxman Meditation Garden for people to remember those who died by suicide. The event included soothing live music, meditation, and ritual to mark the gravity of this loss. The gathering provided an opportunity for those grieving to mark the unique and complicated emotions that death by suicide can engender and a reminder that community is an important antidote to the isolation that often follows these deaths.

In partnership with AJFF, JFS screened the documentary “Ezra, May his Memory be for a Blessing.” The event included an AJFF interview with Ezra’s mother, Shanee Epstein, and a panel discussion featuring mental health experts as well as survivors of suicide loss. The film featured Ezra’s own art and music as well as deeply personal interviews with Ezra’s family, friends, and teachers. Intended for mental health education and awareness, this deeply personal movie explores the host of issues that may arise for those experiencing suicidality or who survive its aftermath.

On September 10 and the surrounding days, in honor of World Health Organization Suicide Prevention Day, JFS staff and community members hosted Caring Contacts tables across the Dell Jewish Community Campus and Jewish community partner organizations. Caring Contacts tables offered a simple, creative way to pause and share gratitude—reminding us how powerful it is to express care and appreciation for those around us. Research shows that even brief moments of connection—like a loved one sending a note of gratitude—can strengthen mental health and significantly reduce the risk of suicide.. Through engagement with Caring Contacts stations, hundreds of community members of all ages contributed to the important task of building a healthier and safer community.

In partnership with BBYO, Dr. Alyssa Gilden and Amanda Mills of JFS led a three-part Teen Mental Health First Aid training for individuals in grades 9-12. Teen Mental Health First Aid is designed to empower teens to provide support to their friends and classmates and improve their ability to cope with mental health challenges themselves. Teens earned four and a half hours of volunteer time and received a completion certificate for their increased knowledge and skills in recognizing warning signs, asking how someone is, listening to them, connecting them with an adult, and above all, maintaining a friendship.

Throughout the month of September and all year long, JFS staff provides individual, group, and community support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts, those who are grieving individuals who died by suicide, and anyone affected by suicide or mental health challenges.   

If you or a friend needs immediate support, please call 988 (the suicide hotline) or 911 (the line for an emergency). The community is invited to attend all future JFS programming honoring this important topic. Visit shalomaustin.org/jfs for more information.