Suicide Awareness P.A.C.T.

True Colors is a nonprofit organization that provides direct services, advocacy, and education in support of queer and trans youth. Executive Director, Katie Curtis-Baker, and Founder, Jayme Morris-Hardeman, speak about the mission of the organization, and youth that often experience suicidal thoughts. truecolorsfh.com flinthillsvolunteercenter.com americorps.gov “P.A.C.T.” is an acronym for “Prev...

We're honored to have Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran stop by for an interview for the Suicide Awareness PACT podcast.  Senator Moran co-sponsored legislation that created the 988 Suicide Hotline number, which goes into effect July 16th.  Senator Moran speaks about the stories that lead to the creation of the hotline number.  Thank you, Senator Moran! “PACT” is an acronym for “Prevention, Awa...

Chaplain Jordan Henricks serves in the U.S. Army.  In this episode, Chaplain Henricks tells his story about grieving the loss of his high school sweetheart, and how that event led him on a path to faith and service.   Along with co-hosts Dave Lewis and Lori Bishop, the Chaplain also addresses the pressures U.S. soldiers deal with and, how the military works to find the help they need. “PACT” is an...

Mel Pooler is a retired educator and has worked tirelessly to advance suicide awareness.  On this episode of "Suicide P.A.C.T.," hear her story, along with co-hosts Dave Lewis and Lori Bishop, as they discuss the life and deaths of their loved ones. “PACT” is an acronym for “Prevention, Awareness, Compassion, Training.”  It’s a collaborative effort with the Flint Hills Volunteer Center,...

Rachel Braddy is a young Manhattan woman born with Thrombocytopenia Absent radius a rare disorder characterized by low levels of platelets in the blood and absence of the long, thin bones of the forearms. Rachel was the victim of horrific bullying during her school-age years, and even now as an adult.  In this episode, she describes her experiences from when she was a young girl throughout much of...

Wilma Naylor of Eldon, Missouri, and her daughter, Megan Horton of Wamego, Kansas, have lost 2 family members to suicide.  Hear how their stories of loss impacted their lives, and how they’ve lived with them. “PACT” is an acronym for “Prevention, Awareness, Compassion, Training.” It’s a collaborative effort with the Flint Hills Volunteer Center, the Kansas Health Foundation, AmeriCorps Seniors, an...

Gary LaGrange is a retired Col. with the U.S. Army.  During his Army career, he was keenly aware of the number of suicides in the military.  He created the S.A.V.E. Farm outside of Manhattan, KS, as a way to use agriculture to help soldiers with PTSD to transition to non-military life.  Here’s the story of his work, and his latest effort, “Valor Honey," available at  valorhoney.org “PACT” is...

Tyrone Townsend is a licensed professional counselor.  His clinic, Townsend Counseling Services” is at 205 S 4th Street in Downtown Manhattan, KS.  In this episode of the FHVC PACT podcast series, Townsend tells co-hosts Lori Bishop and Dave Lewis of his experiences growing up in a big city, his days as a Riley County Police Officer, and some stories from his time as a Manhattan High School School...

In the initial episode of The Flint Hill’s Volunteer Center’s “Suicide PACT” podcast series, FHVC Executive Director, Lori Bishop, tells co-host Dave Lewis why she’s working on suicide awareness. “PACT” is an acronym for “Prevention, Awareness, Compassion, Training.” It’s a collaborative effort with the Flint Hills Volunteer Center, the Kansas Health Foundation, Americorps Seniors, and the Greater...