[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 170 (Monday, October 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  CELEBRATING SPEAK UP, STAND UP, SAVE A LIFE CONFERENCE AND MOVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2019

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the impact created 
by the Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life conference and movement.
  In Arizona, much like the rest of the country, student deaths from 
suicide have increased substantially, and research has shown, many 
youth related deaths have been found to be preventable, if only people 
had the tools to make a difference. Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux, 
superintendent of the Pendergast District, and Gina Godbehere, 
attorney, and Bureau Chief of the Maricopa County Attorney's office, 
met in Leadership West Class XXII, and worked collaboratively to create 
the Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Conference in 2017, the only 
conference of its kind in Arizona.
  Now in its fourth year, over 5,000 students, counselors, law 
enforcement, parents and education advocates came together in a January 
2019 conference, to eradicate the stigma and consequences of bullying 
and to prevent teen suicide. Due to their efforts to help Arizona be a 
better place for this and future generations, police chiefs, and law 
enforcement officers from agencies throughout the state joined the 
effort and attended the conference, along with students, counselors, 
teachers, education advocates, and caring adults.
  The daylong event inspired attendees to connect and create lasting 
solutions they can implement at their schools. The conference offered 
students an opportunity to hear from local and national speakers on the 
difficult issues they face on a daily basis, both inside and outside of 
school. The conference is free of charge, thanks to sponsors and in-
kind donations. What makes this youth conference unique is the outreach 
offered to the adults through the conference, implementation at the 
school sites, and follow-up to family resource nights in the 
communities.
  This vital project is now active in 38 school districts in Arizona 
with a total of 158 schools pa11icipating. The upcoming January 2020 
conference will inspire youth and adults to be empowered, and make a 
difference in their schools, districts and communities.
  The objective of this vital movement is to create tools for students 
in schools with diverse populations and community partners to take back 
to their campuses and communities with the goal to prevent suicide by 
inspiring over 380,000 students to speak up, stand up, and save lives.

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