LifeCenter Northwest

We remember the heroes, the lives lost, and the day that changed a nation. #NeverForget

Suicide is a hard word. Too often, we censor ourselves and walk on eggshells around the topic out of fear that talking about suicide will cause suicide — that’s a myth. Talking about suicide is lifesaving. This World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, we want to encourage you to have candid conversations about mental health and suicide with the people you love. Here are some important things to keep in mind ⬇️ 🧡 Talking about suicide is proven to help encourage safety. It reminds us that we are not alone in our experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends what they’re feeling and if they are safe. 🧡 Folks who have experienced trauma are at an increased risk of experiencing suicidal ideation. Certain times of year or times of night may be harder. Check in on them. 🧡People consider suicide for many unique and individual reasons. They may feel alone, burdensome, or isolated. Show up for them — remind them that they’re not. 🧡 Tens of thousands of Americans are impacted by suicide and suicidal thoughts every year. Remain non-judgemental. Mental health isn’t scary. We’re all in this together. 🧡Suicide is considered a pubic health crisis in the United States — but it often isn’t treated like one. It’s never “too much” to reach out for help, or to ask a friend if they need help. 🧡You are an entire universe, and you mean the world to a whole lot of people, even if you can’t see it right now. Stick around. We’re here with you. This Suicide Prevention Month, and every day, The Trevor Project is always here for you. We are here 24/7/365, on every holiday, free and secure. Call us at 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or visit trvr.org/get-help to speak to our counselors 🧡If you’re an LGBTQ+ adult who needs support, dial 988 and choose the LGBTQ option to speak free and confidentially with an affirming counselor 24/7. #MentalHealth #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth #SuicidePrevention #LGBTQ #TheTrevorProject

Our partners at the Montana MVD and Washington State Department of Licensing offices are an integral part of our life-saving efforts to ensure everyone receives the opportunity to register their decision to be an organ or tissue donor. When receiving a state I.D., driver's permit or license, they ask each guest an important question: "Do you want to be an organ donor?" Thank you, partners, for always asking the question!

Born with a cleft palette, Meili Armstrong has undergone multiple surgeries, and eventually, her orthodontist suggested that donated tissue from a tissue donor would help minimize future surgeries. Meili participates in multiple activities like gymnastics and Mandarin classes, but her favorite so far is softball. After watching her older brother play baseball, at six years old Meili joined a softball team. 🥎 When asked about the impact of Meili’s tissue donor and other donor heroes, Meili’s mother, Teresa, says, “Donors and donor families may not realize how big of an impact their gift can have, especially when it comes to bone graft and tissue donation. Meili can smile with confidence now and her smile is a direct reflection of our gratitude.” 💙

We're #hiring a new Facilities and Fleet Program Manager in Bellevue, Washington. Apply today or share this post with your network.

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Hey, Montana! Pick up the latest issue of Yellowstone Valley Woman Magazine to read about the donation advocates — donor families, transplant recipients and healthcare heroes — who help make our life-saving work possible by sharing their hearts and their stories to bring awareness to the #giftoflife.

Rev. Jim Shelden, photographed below under a pile of his beloved grandkids, will share his transplant story next Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Donation Celebration in Billings, Mont. Jim received a heart in 2014 from a spirited young man named Nelson, and he continues to honor this gift and Nelson's family by living life to its absolute fullest. There's still time to join us for this free event to celebrate the gift of life and those who made it possible. RSVP for next weekend's events in Billings or Missoula: https://lnkd.in/gFSUtCgk

Janet's life took a dramatic turn when she received a liver transplant in her 50s. This life-changing experience inspired her to give back to the transplant community. Now, she dedicates her time to volunteering for an organ procurement organization in New York City and is an active member of Transplants Save Lives, a support group for transplant recipients, candidates, and their families. As a Hispanic woman, Janet recognizes the underrepresentation of Latino donors in the transplant community. She believes in the potential for change within her community and advocates for increased awareness about organ donation. "If Hispanics learned what the needs are and what is possible, they would respond. Because that is what we do in our community. The need for transplantation can affect anyone—young, old, male, and female in any ethnic or cultural group. Many, many Hispanics, like me, are living testaments that organ donation saves lives."