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Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

SAVE was one of the nation’s first organizations dedicated to the prevention of suicide. Our work is based on the foundation and belief that suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Through raising public awareness, educating communities, and equipping every person with the right tools, we know we can SAVE lives.

For 30 years with more than 20 Charters, SAVE has been the leading national organization working to prevent suicide through public awareness, education and as a resource for suicide survivors. SAVE developed the best practices for Media Reporting on Suicide, several award winning media campaigns, the only certification program for safe messaging and the National Media Award. SAVE developed an evidence based school-based program (LEADS); conducts training for professionals and communities globally, and thousands of SAVE’s best practice resources are distributed annually. SAVE’s Peer Connections is the only peer support program dedicated to suicide prevention and our work place prevention programs and partnership with Willis Towers Watson in the construction industry are the gold standard for companies.

SAVE was recognized as a Champion of Change by The White House, has received numerous awards and is one of fewer than 2,000 charities to have received the America’s Best Charities seal.

Our Mission

To prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide.

Our Story

Adina Wrobleski lost her daughter to suicide in 1979. Despite searching endlessly for information, resources, and support to help her and her family through the tragedy, Adina was unable to find what she needed. So began her quest to learn everything she could about depression and suicide. Adina quickly became a local expert in suicide, speaking and writing publicly about the topic. By the late 1980’s, she became a nationally known suicidologist, taking part in research, writing journal articles and books, and lecturing with some of the top scientists of the time.

Adina met with six other suicide survivors (people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide) and collectively they decided there was a great need for an organization to address suicide prevention. SAVE was incorporated, with Adina as the first Executive Director.

SAVE_Founders

Founding Members of SAVE

Our Milestones

1989

After the tragic loss of her daughter in 1979, 10 years later Adina Wrobleski and five others founded SAVE.

1990

SAVE is incorporated as a 501(c)3 and first SAM event held at the State Capitol.

1999

Save has been operating under the hard work and dedication of volunteers for nearly ten years. SAVE hires first staff & is a founding member of the NCSP.

2001

SAVE first in the field to use media and mass marketing .

2006

First prevention and grief materials to be listed on the Best Practices Registry.

2009

SAVE’s research was published on the use of public awareness and suicide in Crisis – The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention. Another publication was accepted in 2011.

SAVE launched a new national PSA campaign titled “You Can Too,” featuring television, radio, print and billboard materials.  SAVE generated over one billion impressions.

2012

Education program LEADS: For Youth listed on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

SAVE authors chapter in the revised National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. 

2014

SAVE is instrumental in the development of the first National Research Agenda.

2015

Launches award winning Public Service Announcement in Times Square.

2016

Led an international task force to create the first ever Media Recommendations for Reporting on Mass Shootings.

2017

Presented at the Pentagon and Department of Defense/VA Conference to help our military and veterans.

2018

Released Best Practices for Medical Examiners Talking with Media and new Best Practices for Medical Examiners Talking with Families About Suicide.

2020

Awarded the Silver Award by The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, Davey Awards for PSA Campaign, “Today is the Day”.

2022

Save.org host the official USA Suicides 2020 Data Sheets.

Our Team

Pete Theisen

CEO

952-946-7998

Daniel J. Reidenberg, Psy.D., FAPA

Director of Clinical Practice, Research and Programs

952-946-7998

Terriann Thommes

Engagement & Events Director

952-946-7998

Jennifer Owens

Senior Program Manager

952-946-7998

Jenn Siopa

National Outreach & The Bandana Project Coordinator

952-946-7998

Andrea Wendt

Business Manager

952-946-7998

save@save.org