Talking Out Loud on Silent Ground with Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas

An Evening with Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas

Some of the most important conversations in our community are also the hardest to begin.

On September 18, 2026, we are bringing internationally recognized suicide prevention speaker, advocate, and innovator Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas to our community for Talking Out Loud on Silent Ground—a special evening dedicated to breaking the silence surrounding suicide, mental health, substance use, and the struggles too many people carry alone.

This event is about creating a community where it is safer to talk about what hurts—before someone reaches a crisis.

A particular focus of the conversation will be the ways we can better reach and support men, who are often taught to carry pain quietly, solve problems on their own, or avoid asking for help. When we change that culture—when people are given permission to be seen, to speak honestly, and to reach for connection—we do more than support one individual. We strengthen marriages, families, friendships, workplaces, and the foundation we are creating for our children.

Suicide prevention does not begin at the moment of crisis. It begins much earlier—with connection, belonging, honest conversations, recognizing when someone is struggling, and knowing how to respond.

Dr. Spencer-Thomas brings a powerful combination of professional expertise, innovation, and deeply human perspective to these conversations. Her work challenges communities to move beyond silence and stigma and toward practical, compassionate ways of supporting one another.

Our goal is for this evening to be more than a presentation. We want it to be a catalyst for cultural change—helping people leave with greater understanding, greater courage to have difficult conversations, and a stronger belief that asking for help is a sign of connection, not weakness.

Any funds raised help make it possible to bring this important conversation to our community, keep the event accessible to the public, and support the broader suicide prevention, mental well-being, and community connection efforts with Mens Second Chance Living, Higher Ground and The Crisis Hotline.

Because preventing suicide is not the responsibility of one organization, one professional, or one family. We are truly grateful for the support and venue host The Community Library for being a safe place to host such conversations.

https://thecommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/17199... to save a seat!!

It takes a community willing to talk out loud—even on silent ground.