LIVE@NMU
Upon request from Northern Michigan University students, faculty and staff, West End Suicide Prevention brought LIVE to NMU's campus in 2022. A student group was officially formed and meets weekly school year. One meeting is a 'business meeting', where they will look at ways to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and suicide on campus and fundraising. The other meetings will be 'action meetings' in which they practice 'LIVE Breaks' that help them carry out the meaning of LIVE — LOVE (yourself), INCLUDE (others), VALUE (life) and ENGAGE (community).
Anyone can struggle with thoughts of suicide. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential, 24/7 support. Simply call or text these three numbers 988.
Get Involved
If you are interested in being a part of LIVE@NMU, please email wesp@greatlakesrecovery.org.
Meetings will be held every Wednesday at 3:00 in Jamrich room 1311. Please join us.
You can also follow West End Suicide Prevention on Facebook or Instagram to help open the conversation and break the stigma.
Suicide Prevention Courses
A number of suicide prevention courses are offered in the U.P. and they are often free. Click on GLRC’s Prevention Education page to learn more about these and other prevention courses.
What does LIVE mean?
To love yourself means to accept who you are because there is only one you. You have a unique set of abilities that only you possess. To love yourself also means to take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
To include others means to understand that we are all different and that is a good thing. Everyone has their own individual talents and by working together we can make our communities a place everyone feels accepted.
To value life means to believe you have a purpose that only you can fill. Part of this purpose is to help both yourself and others. To value life also means to help others find their significance.
To engage the community means to come together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. We make a difference by having open conversations to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. To engage also means to connect with others.
LIVE Art & Word Contests
In 2023, the LIVE Art & Word Contest expanded to include three age groups — middle school, high school and adults (including college and university students). The contest was originally introduced to high school students from across the U.P. in 2020. The LIVE Art & Word contest aims to reduce stigma, engage individuals, encourage positive mental health & showcase the talents of people from across the Upper Peninsula. For more information and to enter visit the LIVE Art & Word Contest webpage.
West End Suicide Prevention
West End Suicide Prevention (WESP) is a diverse group of individuals who work together to prevent suicide in the community. West End Suicide Prevention began as the Ishpeming Suicide Prevention Action Team in 2016, through a three-year partnership with the Marquette County Health Department. The group quickly expanded to include neighboring communities and moved across the U.P. in 2020. West End Suicide Prevention includes members from healthcare, law enforcement, schools, businesses, community members, non-profit organizations and others. The group meets monthly to discuss ways to reduce stigma in our community, such as promoting educational events, attending health fairs, and participating in community events. New members are always welcome. You can sign up for our email list or email wesp@greatlakesrecovery.org for more information.