What: The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Live On
Utah will recognize every day Utahns who have made significant contributions to
suicide prevention in the state.
Suicide affects thousands of Utahns each year. A survey showed 97% of Utahns said
they knew someone who talked about thoughts of suicide, attempted suicide, or
died by suicide (Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute). Last year, 669 Utahns died by
suicide. This number is fewer than the number of suicide deaths observed in 2022
or 2023, but is still unacceptably high. While suicide is a leading cause of death in
Utah, and many people report thoughts of suicide, the topic is still largely met with
silence and shame.
Who: Individuals who will be recognized for their contributions to suicide
prevention or available for interviews include:
● Tracy Gruber, executive director, DHHS
● Carol Ruddell, suicide prevention coordinator, Live On Utah and DHHS
● Greg Peterson, president, Salt Lake Community College
● Tommy Joe Lucia, Days of 47 rodeo
● Dee Dee Hill, Utah Cowgirl Collective
● Kycen and Shelly Winn (Video of Kycen’s story available at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THzx7jHv2Ys)
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
11:30 a.m.
Where: Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Multi-State Agency Office Building
195 N 1950 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Room 1020-C
Light refreshments will be served.