Forefront Suicide Prevention recently honored Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, for his role in suicide prevention legislation at its fifth annual suicide awareness dinner fundraiser, Restoring Hope.
The event in the University of Washington’s HUB Grand Ballroom raised $220,000 toward Forefront’s numerous suicide prevention programs.
The Legislator Award, part of Forefront’s 2017 Champions of Change Awards, honors the critical role that lawmakers and elected officials play in suicide prevention.
Forefront, which has led the passage of six pieces of suicide prevention legislation since its 2013 launch, recognized Fain’s role in ushering various bills in the state Legislature.
“Sen. Fain sponsored the Senate companion bill to HB 2793, the original Safer Homes legislation. He has worked diligently to shepherd bills to continue funding for Safer Homes,” wrote state Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, in the nomination.“In his capacity as the Senate Floor Leader, he has been instrumental in making sure that our suicide prevention bills are brought to a floor vote in the Senate.”
Forefront also honored other award winners who have made a significant impact on the suicide prevention field:
• Anna Ratzliff, MD, Ph.D. (Sue Eastgard Training Award)
• David Yamashita and Kathleen Gilligan (co-winners, Tina Orwall Community Advocate Award)
• KUOW (Excellence in Coverage of Mental Health and Suicide) also will be acknowledged for its radio segment by journalists Bill Radke and Matt Martin
About Forefront
A social impact center housed in the UW School of Social Work since 2013, Forefront led the historic passage of six pieces of legislation – forging Washington’s path as the first state in the nation to require suicide prevention training for mental health professionals, doctors, nurses, teachers and schools. Forefront is focused on ending suicide by championing suicide prevention and leading systemic change.
