Barb Smith advocates for change in the way we talk about and respond to suicide. Barb Smith has served Michigan since 1989 through the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network focusing on suicide prevention and aftercare. Barb’s drive and passion for suicide prevention came through her personal experience of losing her 20-year old brother, John, to suicide. Her pain became purposeful as she continues to partner and advocate for change in the way we talk about and respond to suicide. Her founding network provides prevention and aftercare training to people where they live, work, play, and learn. From a grassroots organization to being named as a partner with CMU College of Medicine, a faculty member at the National Suicidology Training Center and newly appointed by the Governor of Michigan to the Suicide Prevention Commission. Her grief journey has been life-changing, not only for herself but for the many other people’s lives she has impacted along the way. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Suicide, It’s Time to Talk About “IT” | Barb Smith | TEDxTraverseCity