UK to host suicide prevention keynote during Suicide Prevention Month

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 9, 2026) — In Kentucky, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-34, underscoring the need for continued conversations around mental health, suicide prevention and how to support those who may be struggling.

This September, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, UK HealthCare’s Healthy Kentucky Initiative, UK Human Resources (HR) Health and Wellness, and Office for Student Success’ POWER (Prevention, Outreach and Wellness Education Resources) are partnering to bring nationally recognized speaker and mental health educator Joshua Rivedal to campus Sept. 23 for a keynote focused on reducing stigma, recognizing suicide risk and giving members of the UK community practical tools to support themselves and others.

“Suicide prevention is deeply personal to me,” said Jody Ensman, well-being manager for UK HR. “Four years ago, I lost my nephew to suicide, a loss that profoundly changed how I think about the importance of connection, support and early intervention. As a well-being manager, I believe we all have a role to play in creating a culture where people feel seen, supported and comfortable seeking help.”

Rivedal is the founder of The i’Mpossible Project and creator of Changing Minds: A Mental Health Based Curriculum. Trained in community counseling, coaching and suicide prevention, he has spoken about suicide prevention and mental health across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. His work also draws from his own experiences with mental health challenges during college and the loss of close family members to suicide.

Rivedal’s “From Impossible to I’m Possible” keynote is a nationally recognized educational program. His multipart program has been delivered at colleges and universities across North America and is designed to reduce stigma, build lifesaving knowledge and foster hope among students, faculty and staff.

The 90-minute keynote combines personal storytelling, stand-up comedy and evidence-informed mental health education to create an accessible entry point into conversations around mental health. Through humor and lived experiences, Rivedal builds connection with the audience before transitioning into practical education focused on mental health and suicide prevention.

Participants will learn to recognize signs and symptoms of suicide risk, develop tools for managing stress and supporting their own well-being, and gain language and strategies for helping someone who may be in distress. The program will conclude with an interactive question-and-answer session.

“It’s hard to prioritize self-care or ask for help when there’s a stigma attached to struggling,” said Jenni Jinright, Healthy Kentucky Initiative manager. “We want to remove that barrier, so people feel comfortable talking about and managing their own mental health, while ensuring our campus community is equipped to look out for one another. This event is all about empowering everyone to act by providing readily available tools and resources.”

All faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the event Sept. 23 at Karpf Auditorium, located on the ground floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital Pavilion A. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. for light refreshments and resources, and Rivedal will begin his 90-minute keynote at 5:30 p.m.

The event will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Register for the event to receive access to the livestream. To learn more about Rivedal and The i’Mpossible Project, visit iampossibleproject.com.

UK offers suicide prevention resources year-round. UK HealthCare’s Healthy Kentucky Initiative offers free suicide prevention training. QPR training teaches participants how to respond to and help a loved one in crisis. Mental health therapists are also available at no cost to students and employees through TRACS and Employee Mental Health.

If you, your child or someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm, resources are available. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; go to the nearest hospital emergency room; or visit UK HealthCare’s EmPATH unit, a dedicated unit for immediate mental health help.