What if a Parking Plan Could Prevent Teen Suicide?

Every September, hundreds of volunteers assemble to do their part to prevent teen suicide.They set up a mass of equipment, fill thousands of goody bags, flip burgers, and develop event safety plans. Bill Holmes, of Littleton, has completed all of these tasks during his six years as a Second Wind Fund volunteer.

The Second Wind Fund is a non-profit organization that urgently connects suicidal teens with a therapist in their neighborhood, for free. Kids referred to Second Wind do not have enough insurance or the support system in place to over come suicidal thinking, and Second Wind steps in to pay for the therapy to change a teen's thinking. An annual walk/run/ride event is a primary source of funds that covers the cost for that high quality mental health care and Holmes is one of the keystones to the success that saves 500 Denver-area teens from suicide every year.

"I felt compelled to help in any way that I could after hearing about Second Wind Fund as a member of the Board of Deacons at Genesis Presbyterian Church," reflects Holmes."I believe my contribution to the annual event is helping to save young lives and uplifting our community.

Holmes is a good example of a spark of a grass roots effort that has gone on to become the largest teen suicide prevention event in the nation. In 2002, the first event was attended by 66 people who raised $4,000.This year, attendance is expected to exceed 3,000. Event participants are schools, businesses, church groups and members of the community who, like Holmes, want to do something to stop teen suicide.

Sunday, September 20th, marks Second Wind's 8th annual fundraiser.The event has gotten so large, it will now be held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. As the event continues to grow every year, volunteers have proven to be an integral part ofthe success of the event. Last year, over 350 volunteers, including Holmes, did their part to prevent suicide.

"Last year I did whatever I could at the event. I was on-site from sun up to sun down," said Holmes."This year, I'm helping to develop the parking plan for the event. What if my work to provide a smooth parking experience adds to the overall good feeling at the event? I'll feel like I've done my job if the walkers, runners, and riders continue to attend the event because they know that people take the time to make sure the experience is positive."

"I don't want my community to suffer because a young life is lost to suicide. One life can change so many others, meaning that one life lost can cause the suffering of a whole community and one life saved is one more contributing person in the community and a community saved from grief. I was surprised to hear how common teen suicide really is!"

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Colorado teens and Colorado ranks 6th in the nation for the highest number of suicides. In counties where Second Wind has helped more than 100 kids, the teen suicide rate has dropped significantly. Since 2002, nearly 1,700 youth have been helped by the fund, and not one of them has been lost to suicide.

"Every year, one in four kids suffers with more than passing thoughts of suicide," added Holmes."The Second Wind Fund is unlike any other.Some suicide organizations focus on helping families grieve, and that's great. I like that Second Wind is about saving lives, not just lamenting about those we've lost in death. I'm proud to be part of this organization's success."

What if your support of Second Wind, like Bill Holmes', could save a young life in your community? To find out how to get involved, contact the Second Wind Fund today.You can choose to volunteer or to walk, run or ride as a part of this year's event on September 20th at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.For more information, call 303-763-1775 or visit www.swfmd.org.