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May 14, 2003

Betts Commended for Leadership in Suicide Prevention

NASHVILLE, TN – Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts’ leadership, dedication and ongoing efforts in suicide prevention was celebrated at the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network Statewide Conference dinner on May 5 at Woodmont Hills Church. The dinner was part of a two-day, statewide suicide prevention conference.

Receiving commendations from many including Congressman Harold E. Ford, Jr., who represents the United States House of Representatives Ninth Congressional District of Tennessee, Betts was thanked for her efforts as a national and state leader and proponent for improvements in health and mental health policy. Among many of her accomplishments that were cited was her role in the development of the
Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Suicide. This effort helped lend attention to raising awareness about suicide prevention, while also facilitating the development of national suicide prevention strategies in use today.

Scott Ridgway, M.S., director of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, said that Betts’ appointment to Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities was a true testament to her abilities and leadership skills in the mental health arena.

“We feel that her time, devotion and personal investment in our cause has truly made a
difference,” Ridgway said. “We look forward to future participation with her in the network’s goals and the continued prevention of suicide.”

The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s statewide conference included the participation of nearly 350 attendees including metro officials, healthcare professionals, educators, consumers, family members, advocates, members of the faith community and the general public.