Hope is still ahead, even when the road feels uncertain. We're here to walk with you.

FOUNDER

 "To encourage mental health and suicide awareness while inspiring cultural change. I dream of a community where these issues are faced together, creating positive impact and action." 

PRESIDENT / GRIEF SUPPORT FACILITATOR

"I believe in the power of human connection—that we need each other. These relationships are essential—nurturing meaning, healing, and enriching our lives. It's what makes this community special, and I’m dedicated to deepening and fostering it." 

VICE PRESIDENT

“I helped establish SPAN of Benewah County after a terrible year of suicides within the coroner’s office and Funeral Home. When Kristi Scott came to me mentioning something that needs to be done regarding suicides in our area, I was on board with her. She definitely speared the implementation of it with a few of us by her side. My duty as the county coroner and the local mortician is to serve the public. I feel this is a great way to serve providing education and resources for suicide prevention. There is a stigma when it comes to conversation on suicide, and I feel that we (SPAN) have started to remove that stigma in Benewah County where people now feel they can reach out to resources without feeling judged. We have also brought forward the subject of mental health and how important it is. I truly think we are making a difference in our county and it feels good to be a part of that!”

TREASURER / SECRETARY / GRIEF SUPPORT FACILITATOR

“In navigating my own grief, I have found that sharing and community are such important elements to healing. SPAN gives me the opportunity to manage and cope with my own loss and hopefully help others.” 

GRIEF SUPPORT SPECIALIST

"The reason i wanted to be a part of SPAN was due to my 47-year career in Funeral Service and 40 years serving as Benewah Co. Coroner. I have dealt with the trauma of caring for the aftermath of surviving families who had a member of their family take their own life. I have seen it all and now in retirement want to continue to promote suicide prevention awareness as well as help guide families recover from their loss and heal from pain and hopefully find some happiness in their lives moving forward."

BOARD MEMBER / WALK CHAIR

“Our family has lost a few friends over the years to suicide.  However, when I lost my older brother, Troy, in March 2018 to suicide, I knew I didn't want another family to go through the heartache of what our family had gone through.  Being a part of this group has been extremely healing because I feel like I'm honoring him and all of the other lives lost by getting resources in our community to hopefully prevent future suicides here.”

 "SPAN plays a vital role in local communities by providing invaluable resources, connecting individuals with additional community support, and offering assistance to those facing moments of crisis. As a behavioral health provider/clinic, it is a privilege to collaborate with such a crucial community resource and the dedicated individuals who make this work possible."

"I like to immerse myself in an environment filled with passionate individuals committed to making a tangible difference in our community. Through this participation, I have built meaningful connections and friendships with like-minded people who share the same dedication to promoting well-being and positive change. Together, we inspire, support, and uplift each other as we strive towards our common goals." 

 “I chose to join SPAN because I know personally what it’s like to be in that dark hole.  I have also had family and friends that have struggled with depression, anxiety and dementia.  I want to let people know it’s ok to talk about these things and to help our community remove some of the stigma of mental health issues.”

“My cousin, my uncle, my friend, my classmate….I never want another person or family to feel like they have to face it alone.  There are resources and support through SPAN.” 

“I am committed to ensuring that mental health treatment and well-being is accessible to this community. SPAN has been instrumental in bringing many services to this community to help lift the stigma surrounding mental health. I am proud to be a part of this organization and the wonderful people who help spread the message that It’s ok to not be okay.” 

“I chose to be part of SPAN because of all the hard work they do in our community. Having lost my niece and several others that I love to suicide I felt deeply the importance of this work.”

"I became involved with SPAN for a few reasons. I myself have always struggled with mental health issues and have worked hard to get myself in a good mind space. I wanted to be able to really, truly help people, and make an impact. I have friends who have lost friends and loved ones to suicide and a couple years ago I lost a friend to suicide and that’s when I decided I really wanted to be part of this amazing group of people and help others get through the dark and hard times."

"The reason I joined SPAN is because suicide touched my life, and I don't want anyone else to go through what I've been through."

“I joined SPAN because of their dedication to helping those in our community who are struggling with life. Saving lives is their top priority.”