Latest posts by Leonard Johnson
(see all)Live Your Lyrics: How Music and Community Can Save Lives
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shed light on a crucial issue impacting countless individuals. In Colorado, suicide ranks as one of the leading causes of death, affecting families, friends, and communities. The stigma surrounding mental health can make it difficult for people to speak out, leaving many to suffer in silence. That’s where Live Your Lyrics steps in—a powerful musical initiative aimed at promoting suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Founded by Dave Sluiter after losing his partner to suicide, the event uses the healing power of music to foster conversations that are often too painful to begin. With the support of key figures like Melodie Ragen and Jon-Michael Horst, Live Your Lyrics has become a beacon of hope, bringing people together to raise awareness and funds for mental health resources like Mental Health Partners.
Through the universal language of music, Live Your Lyrics creates a space where people can gather to feel supported, uplifted, and connected. The event is more than just a concert; it’s a platform for difficult conversations, breaking the silence that surrounds mental health and suicide. By sharing personal stories of loss and resilience, the founders hope to reduce the stigma and encourage open dialogue. Their message is simple but profound: you are not alone, and help is available. Through their efforts, they aim to ensure that no one has to face mental health struggles in isolation and that more lives can be saved through community, compassion, and the unifying power of music.
Visit liveyourlyrics.life to learn more about Live Your Lyrics and suicide prevention