For Sue Mitchell Metz, mental health support and suicide prevention is personal. Following the heartbreaking loss of her son to death by suicide, Metz has turned her grief into a beacon of hope.
At SSM Health in Wisconsin, Metz is the program coordinator for Care for the Caregiver. In her time outside of work, she extends her care for others as the Executive Coordinator for NAMI Fond du Lac County. Jennifer Luer, System Director of Employee Safety and Wellbeing, works closely with Metz and notes that by using her lived experience with suicide loss, she provides invaluable support for others.
“Sue has turned personal tragedy into powerful purpose. Her strength, empathy, and relentless advocacy are reshaping how we support mental health and suicide loss survivors,” says Luer. “Sue is proof that one voice can spark real change and healing.”
Metz’s advocacy and dedication to providing community support for suicide loss survivors are being recognized with two impressive awards:
• Loss Survivor Award from the American Association of Suicidology
• HOPES (Helping Others Prevent and Educate About Suicide) Award from Prevent Suicide Wisconsin
The American Association of Suicidology’s Loss Survivor Award recognizes significant accomplishments of an individual involved with suicide prevention, intervention, and/or postvention advocacy and activism. In its announcement of Metz’s recognition, the Association noted that Metz’s resilience and courage inspire many.
Following her loss, Metz recognized there was a gap in her local community for providing support to suicide survivors and their loved ones. Through support groups, workshops and community advocacy, Metz provides a compassionate and powerful presence for others navigating the aftermath of suicide loss.
In their announcement of Metz as a HOPES Award recipient, Prevent Suicide Wisconsin leaders commended her for work in mental health advocacy, suicide prevention and grief support. The organization also applauded her commitment to reducing stigma, educating the public and offering hope to those in crisis.
