Ep. #92 - A Compassionate Dialogue on Youth and Suicide with Leeann Sherman

Have you ever wrestled with the gravity of youth suicide and bullying? Have you ever wished you could understand it better to make a difference in a young person's life? In this episode, we had a meaningful conversation with the President and CEO of the American Association of Suicidology, Leeann Sherman. The discussion focused on the rising rates of youth suicide, the urgent need for mental health awareness, and the creation of safe, stigma-free spaces for dialogue. We talked about the labyrinth of social and economic factors that impact youth suicide rates. These factors, often intertwined, can create an environment where young people feel increasingly hopeless and isolated. Understanding youth suicide and finding ways to combat it is a pressing issue that requires our attention. We hope that this episode can help shed light on the problem, spread awareness, and promote action towards addressing youth suicide.

About Leeann Sherman | President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Leeann Sherman, MPS, CAE, is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). Sherman brings extensive non-profit experience with over 20 years in professional associations and community-driven, mission-based organizations to her tenure with AAS. This national organization provides training, education, research, and awareness programs to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide. Sherman has been a founding member of various industry coalitions to drive mission and advocacy forward, working with stakeholders and volunteers throughout her diverse career. She has worked with federal, state, and local government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, the PA Department of Health, the PA Department of Human Services, the PA Department of Transportation, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Office and federal legislators while also working closely on advocacy with the Pennsylvania Legislature.

She has a baccalaureate (Hospitality Management and Nutrition) and a master’s degree (Community and Economic Development) from Pennsylvania State University. She is an active alum at her alma mater in various activities for the next generation. She has been awarded the Scott Jackson Award for leadership from PASAE, the highest honor for an association executive in Pennsylvania. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, the marker of a committed association professional who has demonstrated the wide range of knowledge essential to manage an association in today’s challenging environment, with less than 4,500 people worldwide holding this certification.

Links mentioned:

 

Website: https://suicidology.org/ 

Website: https://nicic.gov/weblink/american-association-suicidology 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AASuicidology 

Instagram: @aasuicidology

Twitter: @AASuicidology

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aasuicidology/ 

Episode highlights:

[0:00] Intro

[1:44] Who is Leeann Sherman?

[6:22] Look for ways to improve people's lives

[8:08] The challenges faced by our youth

[16:38] Recognizing signs of suicide and prevention

[29:42] Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health

[40:58] They need someone to talk to

[46:59] Outro