See a New Sun Foundation

For most people, suicide is a subject too uncomfortable to discuss. Add the "it won't happen to anyone close to me" factor, and it's no wonder that suicide is largely ignored as a leading cause of death in the United States. According to a 2000 National Vital Statistics report, every 43 seconds somebody attempts suicide. Every 18 minutes somebody dies by suicide.

Deaths from suicide are preventable. Recognizing the often subtle danger signs from a friend or family member in trouble is important, and taking immediate and appropriate action is key. But few people know the signs, what to do about it, or where to find help.

In order to address this issue, the See A New Sun Foundation, or SANS Foundation was formed. The mission of SANS is to raise awareness of suicide prevention information and counseling resources

News and Upcoming Events

SAMHSA and the Ad Council Launch National Campaign To Raise Awareness About Mental Health Problems in Multicultural Communities
SAMHSA, in collaboration with the Ad Council, announced today the launch of a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign to promote recovery from mental health problems within multicultural communities by educating and inspiring young adults to talk openly about issues of mental health. The culturally targeted PSAs seek to motivate societal change toward social acceptance and decrease negative attitudes that may surround mental illness. These PSAs are part of a larger multicultural public service effort designed to reach Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Chinese American, and African American communities during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, are widespread in the United States. According to SAMHSA, from 2004 to 2007, an average of 15.6 percent of Hispanic/Latino 18- to 25-year-olds reported serious psychological distress in the past year. Despite the high prevalence among this group, only slightly more than one in four (28.3 percent) of Hispanic/Latino young adults with serious psychological distress received care within the past 12 months. In that same period, an average of 20.7 percent of American Indian 18- to 25-year-olds reported serious psychological distress in the past year, and an average of 16.2 percent of Chinese American 18- to 25-year-olds reported serious psychological distress.

"Raising awareness that effective treatments for mental illnesses are available and that people recover, can encourage those in need to seek help," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "Our goal with this campaign is to open the dialogue about supporting friends or family members with mental health problems in a culturally relevant way."

Second Annual SANS Walk for Suicide Prevention September 11, 2010
Following on the success of our first walk we will gather the community again on September 11, 2010 to walk for the cause! The 2.5 mile walk will raise awareness and much needed funds to carry on the work of suicide prevention. Registrations forms are available here (Registration Form, Release Form, Pledge Form) or by contacting us at PO Box 1344, Littleton, MA 01460-4344. Mailing your registration and release form early will help us better organize the event. "Day-of" in-person registrations will be accepted.

At our first annual walk in September 2009, teams of dedicated walkers turned out to support the cause despite the rain. Our heartfelt thanks to all who participated - to our generous sponsors, our valiant walkers, and our dedicated volunteers! Click here to see more pictures.

SANS Quilt Raffle Tickets are now available!
Get your tickets early this year. Another lovely quilt is being raffled off to raise funds to continue our programming. Winners of past year's quilts will tell you not only how lovely but how warm and cozy our quilts are. And it will be available just in time for holiday gift giving! Imagine what a wonderful gift this would make combining a stunning quilt and support for a critical cause. Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5, and the drawing will be held at the Littleton Holiday Bazaar on December 4, 2010. Contact us at PO Box 1344, Littleton, MA 01460-4344 to get your tickets now!

Massachusetts Coalition For Suicide Prevention - Northeast Region Meeting
The next meeting is at Senior Care, Inc. 5 Blackburn Center Gloucester, MA 01930 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. MCSP Northeast Region is a diverse group of individuals and organizations trying to 1) reduce the incidence of suicide through collaboration; 2) meet the individual needs of our membership; 3) increase awareness of both the state and northeast region’s efforts in suicide prevention; and 4) promote suicide prevention on a grassroots level. Annually the members decide on the goals for the coming year, and then meet 6 times during the year. In addition, they sponsor an annual Leadership Breakfast in September in support of National Suicide Prevention Week. For more information please see the MCSP Northeast web site.

Rascal Flatts Video Brings Attention to Suicide Prevention
Watch this poignant and hopeful video "Every 40 Seconds Someone Asks - Why?" from Rascal Flatts that raises awareness of suicide, its signs and its prevention.

See a New Sun Foundation
PO Box 1344
Littleton, MA 01460-4344

Home