Our most vulnerable and high risk in the youth, LGBTQA+ and bipolar communities are dying by suicide in not just staggering but heartbreaking numbers. We are dedicated to changing that.
Our early intervention programs reach those who are struggling with a mental illness wherever and whenever they need us most. We connect in a nonjudgemental and caring manner, strengthening and empowering by renewing life purpose and restoring hope as this is how we've discovered you can save lives. While highly functioning, our key executive staff and mentoring team have been diagnosed with a mental illness, so we truly get it. Each and every one of us deserves someone who cares and no one should ever feel like they have to go through life alone. We bring back love, laughter and light into the lives of those struggling to not only hold onto hope, but to life itself. |
"Compassion is our most powerful tool in the treatment of mental health conditions.” – Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, United States Surgeon General "You saved my life! And I like it!"
[TESTIMONIALS ON HOW CARING SAVES LIVES] |
Our programs target those disproportionately affected by suicide: youth, LGBTQA+ youth and those with bipolar disorder. The latest statistics on suicide and attempts speak to the urgency of the truly staggering and heartbreaking problem we're facing.
Youth
LGBTQA+ YOuth
Suicide is the leading cause of death for LGBT youth, with this group making up 30% of all youth suicide (Suicide Prevention Resource Center). According to the Trevor Project, LGBT youth are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than those of the same age range that identify as straight. Transgender youth
50% of people who identify as transgender have had suicidal thoughts at some point, with 25% of those who identify as transgender actually acting on these thoughts (Trevor Project). bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder affects over 5.7 million Americans (2.6% of population), with up to 50% attempting suicide and 11% (627,000) succeeding (Medscape). It is currently estimated, however, that 4-6% of the population has some form of bipolar disorder. The risk of suicide of those living with bipolar disorder is 20 to 30 times greater than that associated with the general population. In fact, bipolar is significantly higher than the risk associated with other depressive disorders. It is also considered among the ten most disabling medical conditions worldwide and is the sixth leading cause of disability (World Health Organization). |
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We know how to improve and save lives. We do it every day by mentoring and advocating. However, with your help, we can accomplish so much more. If we are going to prevent and manage suicide so that we can improve mental health outcomes, we must intervene as early as possible.
Not only is early intervention absolutely critical, collaborative bridges with schools, hospitals, criminal justice and social service systems, and other nonprofits must be built on a foundation of caring and compassion, so that we can extend the delivery of mental wellness services into our communities. This effort is now underway via our sister nonprofit, the Hope Xchange Timebank, a Currency of Hope and Wellness. But we can not do this alone. We need your help. |
“I believe that if we can get to our children early enough, we can prevent them from even thinking about suicide in the first place - just take that option off the table. The first 60 months of life are absolutely critical to their view of whether or not children feel loved and their perception of value, importance, and worth in this world.” ~ Kerry Martin, CEO and Founder |
1-866-55-HOPEX (46739)
INFO@HOPEXCHANGENONPROFIT.ORG |
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