[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 182 (Friday, November 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING JOAN NYE OF COLUMBUS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2018

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joan Nye of 
Columbus for her efforts to prevent suicide in Montana and the support 
she provides the survivors of suicide loss.
   Ms. Nye serves on the executive board of the Montana chapter of the 
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and has led the 
organization for a decade as its chairwoman. She facilitates a support 
group for survivors of suicide loss and has been an active member of 
the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley since its 
formation in 2004. The group sponsors monthly meetings, outreach 
events, fundraisers, and seminars.
   A survivor of suicide loss, Ms. Nye chairs the AFSP Montana 
chapter's education committee which focuses on suicide prevention 
education and training. She helps health professionals, family members, 
and others learn to identify the risk factors and warning signs of 
suicide and how to seek help.
   Ms. Nye is a key organizer of the Out of the Darkness Yellowstone 
Valley Walk, which raised nearly $90,000 in September for AFSP to 
invest in research, education, outreach, and support services.
   Her efforts are critical in Montana which has one of the highest 
suicide rates in the nation. On average, a Montanan dies by suicide 
every 33 hours. Tragically, it is the eighth leading cause of death in 
Montana, and it is the second leading cause of death for young 
Americans.
   Suicide, however, is preventable, and dedicated and compassionate 
advocates like Joan Nye are helping to save lives and end the stigma 
surrounding suicide.
   Mr. Speaker, for her selfless devotion to the survivors of suicide 
loss and her tireless efforts to prevent suicide in Montana, I 
recognize Joan Nye for her spirit of Montana.

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