E172 - Reasons to Hope: Evidence-Based Actions for Suicide Prevention Extended Q&A

In this episode, we invite Dr. Christine Moutier of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, along with Christopher Thomas and Martha Thomas of the Defensive Line so they could have a chance to address some of your unanswered questions from their presentation on suicide prevention at the 2022 NEI Congress titled “Reasons to Hope: Evidence-Based Actions for Suicide Prevention.

Christine Moutier serves as the chief medical officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and knows the impact of suicide firsthand. After her own lived experience and losing physician colleagues to suicide, she dedicated herself to fighting this leading cause of death. For the past decade as CMO at AFSP, Dr. Moutier has been leading a nationwide movement fueled by science and grassroots. She has testified before Congress numerous times, presented at the White House and the National Academy of Sciences, and is a frequent expert contributor for major media outlets.  

Martha co-founded The Defensive Line with Chris and her son, Solomon to honor her daughter, Ella, and to bring a message of hope and help to other at-risk young people. She is the roots of her family and believes and demonstrates fundamentally that connection is our greatest source of strength. She recently stepped out of the classroom to work full-time in her role as the Chief Education Officer for the organization. While she is no longer in the classroom, she is still teaching others important lifesaving skills. As a teacher and educator for 30 years, Martha brings a deep understanding of the profession to The Defensive Line. Martha resides in Coppell, Texas with her husband, Chris, and two rescue dogs Mickey and Rebel. She is a marathoner and devoted friend to many, as well as a huge fan of the New York Jets for whom her son, Solomon, plays as a defensive lineman.

As a senior executive at Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, and Alberto Culver among others, Chris brought a drive for excellence to his work, earning recognition and industry awards including Salesperson of the Year and Supplier of the Year. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as well as Touched By Suicide (TBS) board member, AFSP Project 2025 board member, and College of Wooster Ad Hoc Alumni Trustee. Martha, Chris, and Solomon were recipients of the 2019 AFSP Lifesaver Award. During his 30-plus years in corporate management of consumer goods and products, both domestically and internationally. A gifted college athlete, Chris played an integral role in coaching and developing the athletic achievements of his children, Ella and Solomon.

In addition to receiving the AFSP Lifesaver Award in 2019 with Solomon, Martha and Chris are active with suicide survivors organizations, have spoken at the 2022 Neuroscience Education Institute Congress, Texas Association of Gifted and Talented Conference, United Healthcare Suicide Prevention Town Hall and many others.