In 2022, about 49,476 in the U.S died by suicide — an average of one person every 11 minutes — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, we’re highlighting Karen Carreira, a dedicated advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.
With over 20 years of experience working in mental health and human services, Karen’s career has been defined by her commitment to improving mental health care through direct service, program development, supervision and leadership. However, Karen’s journey took a profound turn in 2018, when she lost her 15-year-old son to suicide.
“My life changed forever in March of 2018 when I lost my son, Nathan. I decided soon after to take all my professional experience and focus it on mental health literacy and suicide prevention. I read a hundred books, took dozens of trainings, got involved with organizations at the community and board level, championed fundraising, and earned my certifications in Adult, Youth, and teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
Giving back and turning all that pain into something good made sense to me. Being able to facilitate and guide learning that offers context, resources and hope for those struggling and the people who care for them keeps me moving forward with meaning and purpose,” Karen shared.
On the 6th anniversary of her son’s passing, Karen led a team of 20 MHFA Instructors from three different states in training the entire teaching and administrative staff of Ludlow, MA Public Schools (LPS) in Youth MHFA. 280 learners took part in a full-day professional development experience with the goal of working toward and establishing a prevention-prepared community. A years’ worth of planning with LPS superintendent and administration, Ludlow Cares Coalition, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention resulted in what many people said was the “best professional development day in years, if not ever.”
Karen will be training all coaches and paraprofessionals in the coming months and is now working with other districts to create a plan for similar initiatives. This work is her tribute to Nathan.
Suicide is preventable, and together, we can make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone. Here’s how you can help today:
Your actions can help create a safer, more supportive community for everyone. Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference.
