Sarah Kurtz McKinnon graduated cum laude from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in 2008, earning her degree in political science and journalism. Although she had a passion for writing, she had another passion, and that was changing lives through the power of summer camp. In 2009, she earned the opportunity to become one of the youngest YMCA camp executives in the country, taking the helm of Ann Arbor YMCA Camp Al-Gon-Quian at the age of 23. Sarah served as the director of Camp AGQ for nearly six years. During that time the camp saw incredible growth with a 40 percent increase in positive annual net for the program and nearly $1 million in capital construction improvements. Her dynamic and creative leadership approach took an already great camp to another level of excellence, receiving recognition at the national level for the camp’s success.
Sarah left Camp AGQ in 2015 to start Kurtz McKinnon Creative with the goal of helping other camps and camp professionals reach their full potential. She recently co-authored a book for camp professionals with Steve Maguire, entitled Not the Way You Have Always Done It and, with Jack Schott, founded The Summer Camp Society, a collaborative, community-based education program for emerging camp professionals. Sarah is pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where she is a fellow in the +LAB at the Center for Positive Organizations.
Sarah lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with her husband, Robert (a licensed builder and carpenter), and their Brittany Spaniels, Ranger and Marley. Robert worked at Camp AGQ in the years before Sarah arrived, and they met via mutual camp friends. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys tennis, reading and art. Sarah is also a volunteer board member for the Washtenaw Camp Placement Association, a local non-profit that sends kids to camp who otherwise would never have the opportunity, and serves as the director of the Siblings Program at Camp Tall Tree.
If you suspect that an individual is considering suicide, contact: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The effects of suicide are not limited to those who die. Suicide is a serious public health problem that has shattered the lives of millions of individuals, families, and communities nationwide. We can all act to reduce its toll.
Everyone has a role in preventing suicide. Suicide is not inevitable. Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can take to help others.
Facts
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among Americans.
More than 44,000 people died by suicide in 2015.
More than 1.4 million people reported making a suicide attempt in the past year.
Almost 10 million adults reported thinking about suicide in the past year.
Most people who engage in suicidal behavior never seek mental health services.
Suicide is a serious global public health problem. More than 800,000 people worldwide die from suicide every year.
Know the Risk Factors
Although suicide can affect anyone, the following populations are known to have an increased risk for suicidal behaviors:
Individuals with mental and/or substance use disorders and individuals with medical conditions
Individuals bereaved by others’ suicide
Individuals in justice and child welfare settings
Individuals who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury and those who have attempted suicide
Individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT)
Men in midlife and older men
Warning Signs of Suicidal Behaviors
You can play a role in preventing suicide by being aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors:
Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves; feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain; being a burden to others
Looking for a way to kill oneself
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings
What You Can Do
If you believe someone is at risk of suicide:
Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. (This will not put the idea into their heads, or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.) Take seriously all suicide threats and all suicide attempts. A history of suicide attempts is one of the strongest risk factors.
Keep Them Safe – Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; if possible do not leave the person alone.
Be There – Listen without judgement and with compassion and empathy.
Help Them Connect – Help them connect to a support system – family, friends, clergy, coaches, coworkers, therapists; or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Follow Up – Make contact in the days and weeks after a crisis. Check-in regularly.
Suicide Prevention Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Learn more.
HelpGuide
Feeling suicidal means that a person has more pain than they feel capable of coping with. Help is available. Don’t wait: Reach out. Learn more.
National Institute of Mental Health
Resources for you if you know someone in crisis. Learn more.
Crisis Text Line
Free 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained crisis counselor. Learn more.
SOS
The Signs of Suicide Prevention Program (SOS) offers a 90-minute online course for non-mental-health professionals and unlicensed counselors. The course is called Plan, Prepare, Prevent: The SOS Signs of Suicide®. Learn More.
JED Foundation – Get Help Now
JED’s Mental Health Resource Center provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges, and make a successful transition to adulthood. Learn more.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Support
Dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies: (1) Funding research, (2) Educating the public, (3) Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, (4) Supporting survivors. Learn more.
The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, this project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13 to 24. Learn more.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders. Learn more.
Active Minds
A nonprofit organization that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage others to seek help. Information, leadership opportunities, and advocacy training to the next generation. Learn more.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America – Find Help
A guide to the treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD; resources for support; and tips for helping friends and relatives. Learn more.
APA American Psychological Association – Help Center
An online consumer resource featuring information related to psychological issues affecting your daily physical and emotional well-being. Refer to our fact sheet series to learn how psychologists can help. Learn more.
ANAD – National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders – Get help
Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders resource page. Learn more.
Mental Health America – Finding Help
Mental Health America resource page. Learn more.
To Write Love on Her Arms
A nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. Find resources by state.
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services – Suicide Prevention Center
Includes Spanish and Vietnamese assistance. Learn more.
