PSA Launch Urges Message That With Help Comes Hope – Suicide Is Preventable

In the last decade, our nation has witnessed a disheartening phenomenon among the youth in America, who commit suicide when faced with school and gay-related bullying.  A significant spike in these suicides, among teens especially, has served as inspiration for KC Tees (www.KCTees.com) – a company with a message and a mission – to launch a public service announcement encouraging suicide prevention.  Called “HOPE. If Only You Knew …”, the PSA comes on the heels of the recent bullying-related suicides reported in the media, which could have been prevented.
The mission of this PSA is two-fold:  to prevent suicide, and to bring forth the awareness that help is available.

“These recent suicides speak to the urgency of letting our youth know that suicide is not the answer,” said Karen Crawford, CEO & Founder, KC Tees.  “Its critical that we share this message, and make a valiant effort to do what we can to educate parents, schools, teachers, and youth – in an effort to save lives!”

According to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) (www.Save.org) – a national, nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent suicide and also bring forth its awareness and education – suicide is a public health crisis that is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds. Even more disturbing is the fact that it’s the 4th leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14 (according to the Centers for Disease Control).

“After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of my younger brother who tragically took his own life, I created this PSA, with the hope of saving one,” adds Crawford.  “It’s imperative to reach out and let those suffering know that help is out there!”

“If only more people knew that suicide was preventable and how to help, fewer families and communities would be impacted so deeply,” said SAVE’s Executive Director Dan Reidenberg.  “Learn the warning signs.  Listen to those you care about.  Lead someone to help.”

“We applaud KC Tees for this PSA and helping bring awareness to the issue of suicide,” said Lidia S. Bernik, M.H.S., C.P.H., National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  “It is a tragedy that we lose over 30,000 lives a year to suicide. However, it is preventable, and we provide a free and confidential service that is available 24/7 to help anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.”

About KC Tees:
KC Tees, a company with a message and a mission, is a line of Latina-themed graphic tees that are stylish and inspirational, featuring messages in both English and Spanish.

Created in an effort to inspire integrity, respect and self-esteem with messages we can all embrace, KC Tees promote universal themes and messages, some of which include:  Peace, Love, Faith, Beauty, Unity and Hope!

The KC Tees “HOPE” tee supports the PSA’s effort to help spread awareness of suicide, and its prevention across communities all over the world.  For every “HOPE” tee sold, the company will donate 15% of the proceeds to benefit SAVE.org.
To view the PSA, please visit kclosangeles.com/shop/hope-v-neck-short-sleeve-tee or www.youtube.com/user/kclosangeles.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For more information about the “With Help Comes Hope” PSA or the “HOPE” Tee,  please visit www.KCTees.com or contact Inna Shamis, inna@agcomgroup.com, 732.385.1714.

Images & Samples are available upon request.