FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2018
Oshkosh Actively Engages in the Prevention of Suicides Oshkosh, WI, February 3, 2018: On February 8th, Melody Nolan will wake up knowing that it has been exactly five years since she lost Jonathan Lazarus, a brother to her, to suicide. How will she pay tribute to his memory? Nolan’s wish is to contribute to saving someone in crisis from this tragedy on that very day. That is her mission every day…beginning with herself. Nolan has struggled with suicidal ideation since childhood. “It’s a difficult existence,” she says, “but losing someone to suicide presents a war on the spirit like none other.” Nolan is the founder of TreasureLives, a young organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Although such programs abound, approximately 2,054 people attempt suicide every day in the United States. An average of 83 of these attempts result in death (www.suicide.org.) According to Nolan, the prevention of suicide must be addressed at a fundamental level. Using knowledge gained from her personal experience and her Master’s in Counseling, she is currently developing an “experiential mental wellness curriculum” from grade school through college. This will provide a structured format for students to learn to identify and express emotions, cultivate communication skills, understand and implement boundaries, and explore a variety of “what to do if” scenarios. Once funded, TreasureLives hopes to assist low-income families, people with disabilities, seniors and veterans in securing mental health care. “I’m new in town, said Nolan.” The first night I was here I called a suicide prevention hotline. I was given a list of numbers, but I wasn’t in any condition to write them down - I was exhausted and hysterical. I needed someone to make the calls for me.” Nolan sought treatment at the Winnebago County Mental Health Department. Ten weeks later, again in the depths of despair, she told her therapist that she wanted to be hospitalized. The county sent out two crisis workers from the Oshkosh Suicide Prevention Team. Upon consultation, they agreed to give her extra support so that she would feel safe remaining in her home. According to Nolan, Oshkosh is doing something right - and she wants everyone to know it. Nolan anticipates a difficult day on February 8th The stark reality of Jonathan’s suicide is likely to attack her to her core. In keeping with her proactive stance, she has scheduled the unveiling of a freshly designed website for TreasureLives including an intimate blog entry and the posting of a new video. “I say I’m trying to break the stigma. So, I’m going to take my own advice and be TreasureLives’ spokesperson.” You can help Nolan achieve her desire to save a life on February 8th by visiting www.treasurelives.org , taking note of the information and resources, and passing them along. A Jewish proverb says that if you save a life, you save a world. Together, we can save the universe. Contact: Melody Nolan Telephone: (760) 298-3144 Email: melody@treasurelives.org