Drawing upon personal experiences and professional acumen, our guest Dawn Grittman, a steadfast advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, joins Ashlee to peel back the layers of her journey intertwined with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). As a pharmacist, Dawn’s story is a compelling narrative of transition from volunteering with NAMI to becoming a full-time crusader, keen on enlightening both healthcare providers and the general public on mental health issues. Expect an introspective look into her pioneering programs and the consequential role of candid discussions about mental health and suicide.

Navigating the labyrinth of suicide prevention, especially from a pharmacist's perspective, often encompasses a series of complexities. With an empathetic and expert approach, Dawn guides us through the nuanced process of recognizing cues and initiating life-saving conversations. Highlighting the imperative need for evidence-based resources and situational awareness, she brings to light the often overlooked role of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and NAMI’s Provider Program in equipping health professionals with vital knowledge about mental health conditions.

With a persistent focus on the role of pharmacists in suicide prevention, Dawn underscores the indispensable power of building patient relationships. Her passion is infectious as she emphasizes the wealth of available resources and the potential of pharmacists to provide critical help. Covering the deeply affecting personal impacts of suicide and its alarming statistics, she inspires a shift from despair to action. Dawn's poignant journey and incisive insights underscore our shared responsibility in fostering mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Her story serves as a compelling call to action to each one of us.

References:
NIMH
SAMHSA SAFE-T
QPR

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