On February 4, Maryland Wellness proudly hosted Bridging Hope: Community Conversation on Suicide Prevention, a virtual event that brought together community members, mental health professionals, advocates, and partners from across Maryland and beyond for an open, compassionate dialogue on suicide prevention.
The response and engagement reflected the importance of this work: 264 individuals registered, and 136 participants joined live, demonstrating a strong collective commitment to learning, connection, and prevention.
Talk Saves Lives Training:
The event began with a training presentation, Talk Saves Lives, delivered by Greg Reuss, a volunteer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This nationally recognized training provided participants with foundational knowledge about suicide prevention, warning signs, and how to engage in supportive, life-affirming conversations. The session helped set a grounded, educational tone while reinforcing the message that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility.
Community Panel Discussion
Following the training, attendees participated in a dynamic panel discussion featuring mental health professionals, advocates, and peer leaders with diverse lived and professional experience. Panelists responded thoughtfully to questions submitted both in advance and live through the webinar chat, engaging conversation rooted in real community concerns.
Throughout the event, a common theme emerged: suicide prevention happens not only in clinical settings, but within families, workplaces, schools, and everyday community spaces. Participants left with practical tools, trusted resources, and renewed hope reinforcing the belief that open conversations save lives.
We are grateful to our panelists for their insight, expertise, and dedication:
Amanda Fox Talwar, LMSW (they/them/theirs), Mental Health Therapist at Maryland Wellness
Pamela Browne, MHS (she/her/hers), Executive Director of NAMI Prince George’s County
Shannon Heath Parkin, MS, CPRS (she/her), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Suicide Prevention Speaker at On Our Own Frederick
Ashley Johnson (she/her), Regional Clinical Director at Charlie Health
For more information on each organization, please visit here!
Watch the Replay & Access Additional Resources
For those who were unable to attend live or who would like to revisit the conversation, the full webinar replay is available to watch on demand.
Password: 51!fPLH6
Maryland Wellness has also created a Suicide Prevention Resource Guide to accompany the event. This guide was developed by Lisa Potillo-Crawley, bringing together accessible tools you can return to at any time.
The Resource Guide includes:
- Suicide prevention and crisis hotline numbers
- Recommended podcasts and educational resources
- Calming and grounding techniques for moments of distress
- Community based and national support resources
This guide reflects Maryland Wellness’ ongoing commitment to ensuring that individuals and families leave our conversations not only informed but supported, connected, and equipped with tools that can make a difference.