Media Invited: Local Helena Hero Awarded National 2017 Allies in Action State Partner Award

HELENA, Mont., May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. This might seem like an insurmountable problem, but there are those who work tirelessly in the mental health field who are trying to bring an end to this tragic loss of life. To recognize one such community leader, advocates from the Montana chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the leading suicide research and prevention organization in the U.S., are presenting Karl Rosston, LCSW, the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services with its National State Partner Award.

This award, is presented to Rosston for his longstanding and steadfast support of the cause and his leadership in suicide prevention and mental health across the state of Montana. Rosston goes above and beyond in his work including:

• Providing evidence-based programs for Montana's secondary schools;
• Reviewing suicide deaths on the mortality review committee;
• Supporting the state suicide prevention lifeline;
• Implementing firearm safety programs, providing suicide prevention trainings, and
• Coordinating suicide prevention events around the state.

Rosston was also instrumental in implementing Montana's state suicide prevention plan. Rosston is the first person to receive the State Partnership Award from AFSP. He is one of three state award winners being recognized by the organization at its Annual Advocacy Forum on June 13, 2017 in Washington, D.C. as part of the Allies in Action Awards ceremony. There were 30 nominations for the State Partnership Award.

WHEN: 11 AM PST, Wednesday, May 24, 2017

WHERE: Montana Department of Health and Human Services
111 N Sanders
3^rd Floor (in the director's office)
Helena, MT  59601

RSVP: Media must RSVP for this event. Please email Jen Preble [email protected] or call 406-951-3077.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention