BY AMY FUHRMAN

Challenging stigmas. Having difficult conversations. Advocating for support and resources.

And saving lives.

Susan Tolle has spent the past decade building a legacy of hope, advocacy and action through her tireless work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Her passion was inspired by her daughter’s own mental health struggles and recovery.

Tolle was honored Tuesday at a luncheon sponsored by the Iredell Health Foundation, which has established the Susan Tolle Behavioral Health Fund to support outpatient needs in Iredell County, said Iredell Health System President & CEO John Green.

“In a world that often feels hurried and divided, Susan is a steady presence among us. Her work in sucide prevention has been a ministry of dignity and hope,” Rev. Jeremy Cannada said. “Because of her, many people are still with us today, still breathing, still believing tomorrow can be better.”

With humility, Tolle thanked the approximately 200 people gathered and all the many volunteers, donors and organizations who have supported AFSP. Then, as always, she got down to business.

“Now let’s talk about suicide — 48,824. That’s the number of people in 2024 that decided to end their lives by their own hand. We lose friends, family, co-workers to suicide. And we lose one every 11 minutes,” she said, noting that males, veterans and those over age 85 are at higher risk.

“Losing even one life is too many,” Tolle said. “I ask that you give your hearts in fighting this fight. You may not know it, but you are saving lives when you do.”

That dedication to saving lives has led to raising more than $385,000 for the AFSP since 2016. And Tolle’s efforts have created a more educated and compassionate community, which starts with a simple but powerful message: “Talk saves lives,” Iredell Health Foundation Executive Director Miles Atkins said.

“When the conversation around suicide was often avoided, Susan stepped forward with compassion and dedication,” he said. “Thousands of teachers, first responders, community leaders and parents have received education and training. These efforts have helped change the way our community talks about mental health. They have helped ensure individuals in crisis are met with compassion, support and hope.”

Tolle’s work over the past 10 years to increase suicide prevention efforts has been on a volunteer basis, and few volunteers have matched the Tolle’s focus and drive, said Maureen Gould, area director for the N.C. AFSP.

“Susan is a pillar of our organization, and the number of lives she has touched is immeasurable,” Gould said.

In all she has done, Tolle has perhaps made the biggest difference in the moments of quiet compassion she has shown to those facing their own struggles.

“Susan has walked alongside people in their darkest hour. She has offered a presence that says, ‘You are not alone,’ “ Cannada said.

Today, Tolle’s legacy continues through the fund that bears her name, a next chapter that builds on her commitment that every life has meaning, United Way Executive Director Brett Eckerman said.

“Now it is up to us as a community to carry this torch forward,” he said.

LEARN MORE

♦ To donate to the Susan Tolle Behavioral Health Fund, visit IHFdonate.org
♦ To learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, visit www.afsp.org