The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hires Lived Experience Pioneer as Area Director for Utah & Nevada

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Jun 27, 2017, 11:36 ET

SALT LAKE CITY, June 27, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's largest suicide prevention organization, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, hired Taryn Aiken Hiatt, as the Area Director for Utah and Nevada. Taryn is the founding Chair of the Utah Chapter, organized the Salt Lake City walk for many years and has conducted hundreds of trainings in Utah and elsewhere. Taryn is also an eloquent spokesperson for AFSP's Lived Experience programs.

"For such an important role, we needed an individual with such a strong background in community organizing to help us implement and apply the strategies we know will save thousands of lives over the next few years," said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. "Ms. Hiatt brings the right mix of skills and experience to this role. We are pleased to have her on board and to continue the momentum underway in the Mountain States in the area of suicide prevention."

In 2016, Ms. Hiatt was chosen to participate in a short film series "Voices of Hope" which highlights various people and their lived experience in suicide (attempts and thoughts of suicide). Taryn is a survivor of her own attempts as well as a survivor of suicide loss, losing her father Terry Aiken on October 5, 2002. As a dedicated volunteer for the past 11 years, she shares her story and passion to give hope and educate our communities about suicide.

Hiatt is a certified safeTALK, CONNECT Postvention Trainer, and Mental Health First Aid Trainer, facilitating hundreds of seminars to many different groups, and sharing tools to help build resiliency in our communities. She dedicates her time to sharing suicide prevention and education.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.