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April 24, 2023 | Washington, DC – The American Association of Suicidology (AAS), the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization, announced several new hires to support the AAS mission to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.
“Building a team with not only knowledge and experience but those who can and do exemplify the passion and ingenuity to bring awareness, prevention, postvention, and bring forth the understanding of suicide and how to support those affected by it is key to not only the success of AAS but for every individual across the world,” said AAS President & CEO Leeann Sherman, MPH, CAE. “Every member of the AAS team is committed to the field and helping every individual.”
Chris Cosentino has been named Chief Marketing Officer to build the AAS brand as well as position the organization as a world leader in suicide prevention resources and research. Cosentino comes to AAS with more than 15 years of experience in the integrated marketing field where he helped generate unprecedented funds and awareness for some of the nation’s most respected nonprofit organizations. Over the years, he has secured media placements in national outlets such as NBC’s Today Show, ABC News, FOX News, CBS News, People Magazine, ESPN and many more. Chris also has extensive experience in building ambassador programs featuring celebrities, professional athletes, musicians, and other influencers who have used their platforms to support various initiatives. Throughout his career he has produced short films, podcasts, digital education series and major special events.
Amelia Lehto has been promoted to Chief Program Officer and will oversee all development and deployment of all AAS training and accreditation programs. Amelia has worked in crisis services and suicide prevention for the past 15 years specializing in quality improvement, facilitation skills, suicide prevention and postvention services. Her unique skillset brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to this critical role within the organization. She is a former Crisis Centers Division Chair for the American Association of Suicidology, past President of Six Feet Over, and sits on the Advisory Council for Kevin’s Song. Amelia has contributed to a number of local, state, and federal efforts in the field of suicidology.
Also joining the Program Team is Katherine Delgado as Senior Director of Programs, Emily McKee, MSSW, IMH-E® as Director of Training and Samantha Nadler, MSSW as Director of Accreditation.
Katherine has worked in the nonprofit sector for 15 years supporting crisis services and trauma informed service delivery programs. Her work began by volunteering at a local crisis and referral line, evolving into direct service followed by program and department leadership with a special interest around understanding systems while keeping a heart for the frontline work of serving and supporting those who do critical work. She specializes in process and data management, incorporating analytics into strategic development, change impact consideration, and the streamlining and operationalizing of application training, literacy and documentation.
Emily has worked in the nonprofit mental health sector for over 15 years, supporting trauma informed, evidence-based programming. Prior to AAS, she has worked as a family & children’s case manager; helped raise millions of dollars through her work in non-profit development via fundraiser coordination, grant writing, and direct fundraising campaigns; most recently she has served as a training and professional development specialist as the director of a Mental Health Awareness Training program, focusing on equipping community members and mental health workers with suicide prevention training and crisis intervention techniques.
Samantha has been working in crisis services and suicidology for nearly 15 years. She has experience in carrying out front-line work in addition to leading various crisis services throughout her career, most recently working as Senior Manager of Clinical Quality at a national text-based crisis service. Her specialties include call center operations, quality improvement, and change management in 24/7 services.
In addition to the Program Team, Bonnie Benetti, CPA has been named Director of Finance. Bonnie is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with more than 11 years of professional experience in accounting, audit, taxes, and regulatory compliance.
About American Association of Suicidology The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides and open the door for help for those in need. Visit the Media as Partners in Suicide Prevention: Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more details. For additional information, visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com and Stanford University’s Media and Mental Health Initiative. For crisis services anywhere in the world, please visit FindAHelpline.org and in the continental United States chat, text or call 988.
MEDIA CONTACT Chris Cosentino ccosentino@suicidology.org American Association of Suicidology
April 20, 2023 | Washington, DC – The American Association of Suicidology (AAS), the world’s largest membership-based suicide prevention organization, has announced the 2023 Annual Award Winners presented at the 56th Annual AAS Conference in Portland, Oregon. The Robert I. Yufit Family Awards Presentations took place at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
“We received more than sixty submissions from across the world for 2023 Annual Awards and we could not be prouder of this year’s winners,” said AAS President & CEO Leeann Sherman, MPS, CAE. “The Annual Award submissions are evaluated by a panel of judges who score each nominee closely on a 10-point scale. The panel looks for extraordinary individuals who have made an impact on the suicidology community.”
Crisis Services Award: The Crisis Services Award winner is determined based on the demonstrated quality and effectiveness of their service, their ability to infuse core values of suicide prevention and mental wellness into their practices, community impact, and resilience in addressing the most challenging community behavioral health needs.
Winner Jessica Neely: Crisis Center Director, Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center
Edwin S. Shneidman Award: The Edwin S. Shneidman Award is given to a person under forty years of age or a person who is not more than ten years past their highest degree earned. The eligible nominee is a person who has made outstanding contributions in research in the field of suicidology.
Winner Jessica Ribeiro, PhD: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Florida State University
Loss Survivor Award: The Loss Survivor Award has been given since 1995 to acknowledge ways in which survivors of suicide transform the trauma of their loss into suicide prevention efforts and/or survivor support.
Winner Gail Urso: Co-Founder, Kevin’s Song
Louis I. Dublin Award: The Louis I. Dublin award is a lifetime achievement award for outstanding services/contributions to the field of suicide prevention as evidenced by leadership, devotion and creativity.
Winner Richard McKeon, PhD, MPH: Senior Advisor in the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Roger J. Tierney Award: The Roger J. Tierney Service Award recognizes time and effort given to advance the association’s principles, growth and development, and/or for applied contributions to the fields of suicidology and crisis intervention.
Winner Steven Rogers, MD: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Associate Professor, University of Connecticut
Transforming Lived Experience Award: The Transforming Lived Experience Award acknowledges a person who has survived his or her own suicidal experiences and transformed their pain into suicide prevention and recovery efforts. It is intended to recognize significant accomplishments in suicide prevention, intervention, advocacy, and/or recovery that embodies the mission of AAS.
Winner Rep. Michael Schlossberg: Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 132nd District
Chair’s Award:
Winner Richard Ramsay, MSW: LivingWorks Board of Directors and President Emeritus
About American Association of Suicidology
The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest membershipbased suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides and open the door for help for those in need. Visit the Media as Partners in Suicide Prevention: Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more details. For additional information, visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com and Stanford University’s Media and Mental Health Initiative. For crisis services anywhere in the world, please visit FindAHelpline.org and in the continental United States chat, text or call 988.
Chris Cosentino ccosentino@suicidology.org American Association of Suicidology
A mental health crisis can happen to anyone, even those who don’t have an existing mental health condition. Sometimes (though not always) the person in crisis may experience self-harm impulses or suicidal ideation. In these cases, knowing how to recognize what’s happening and react appropriately can save someone’s life.
What Does a Mental Health Crisis Look Like?
Mental health emergencies look different for different people. You may notice warning signs in advance, or they may seem to come out of nowhere. In general, changes in behavior (such as changes in work and/or school performance, social isolation, increased use of drugs and/or alcohol, and loss of interest in normal activities or hobbies) are often indicators that someone’s mental health is deteriorating.
inability to perform daily tasks (such as not getting out of bed, not eating, or failing to go to work/school)
poor hygiene, such as failing to bathe or change clothes regularly
suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
psychosis (including hallucinations or delusions)
paranoia or seeming disconnected from reality
feelings of hopelessness, depression, irritability, anger, or anxiety
What Causes a Mental Health Crisis?
Mental health emergencies can be caused by a wide range of factors. In some cases, a crisis might result from an existing mental health condition being aggravated or exacerbated. Other times, a mental health crisis might be caused by trauma (such as a natural disaster or an accident) or a stressful event (such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or loss of a job).
Although anyone can experience a mental health crisis, some groups of people are more vulnerable than others. These include individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, those without strong support systems or coping mechanisms, people living in crowded environments, and people who have experienced economic losses.
How To Deescalate a Crisis
Witnessing someone in crisis can make you feel powerless and scared, and it’s important that you equip yourself with the right knowledge, skills, and resources. Particularly if that person is suicidal, your intervention could save their life. The following guidelines are a great starting point for helping someone navigate a mental health emergency:
Assess the situation. Talk to the person in crisis and ask them what they’re feeling or experiencing. If they seem like they might be a danger to themselves or others, try to remove any potentially dangerous items, such as medications, firearms, car keys, or knives. If you’re able, stay with them until the crisis has passed or they’ve gotten help.
Remember to keep your own safety in mind, too. If at any point you feel that your well-being is in danger, leave the situation.
Listen compassionately. In difficult situations like this, it’s normal to worry about saying the wrong thing. However, experts agree that the most important thing you can do for someone who is experiencing a crisis is to simply listen, be with them, and let them know that you’re there to help. Offer validation and support, and avoid judging, lecturing, or reacting angrily. Try to ask the following questions:
Are you thinking about suicide?
Are you currently seeing a mental health professional?
What sorts of coping strategies and self-care usually help when you’re feeling bad?
How can I help?
Connect them with support. If the person is already seeing a mental health professional, encourage them to contact that person. If they’re not already receiving treatment, offer to help them find a mental health provider or local support group.
If they don’t have a current provider or they need immediate help, encourage them to call or text a crisis resource, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the NAMI crisis text line. It’s a good idea to keep these numbers saved on your phone so that they’re easily accessible if you ever need them.
If you believe the person is an imminent danger to themselves or others, take them to the nearest emergency room or call 911. If you do call 911, be sure to give the dispatcher as much information as possible about the person’s symptoms and what they’re experiencing.
Practice self-care. Seeing someone through a crisis can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Once they are safe, be sure to take care of your own needs and seek support if you need it.
The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is dedicated to promoting the understanding and prevention of suicide, as well as providing support, hope, and healing to those who have been affected by it. AAS promotes the study of suicide as a research discipline, as well as public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers. AAS membership includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center volunteers, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention.
By joining the AAS, the largest and oldest suicide prevention membership organization in the U.S., you will be among the ranks of the world’s leading suicidologists and suicide prevention experts. Ready to join? Individual and Organizational Memberships are available!
