TEXAS – A Dallas-based organization is turning their pain into purpose by advocating for prevention on a topic that hits close to home for them.
Co-founders of the organization, Chris and Martha Thomas, their daughter Ella died by suicide when she was just 24 years old.
“It really just felt like we had to do something with the pain,” Martha stated. “And the knowledge that we started to learn about all the things we didn’t know when Ella died.”
“It felt like something Ella wanted us to do,” she added.
They said they decided to name the foundation “The Defensive Line” because their son is a defensive tackle with the New York Jets.
The non-profit is intended to bridge the gap between mental health resources and the youth.
“Our focus is making sure we get to the leaders of young people. Our vision is a world where no young person of color dies by suicide, but we will help anybody,” Chris said. “And so with Martha’s teaching background, we’re going make sure the coaches, teachers, executives, bus drivers, anybody who’d recognize the warning signs, talk, mood, behavior, warning signs that exist.”
He said like his son practices flexing his muscles every day in football, it is important to flex your brain as well.
If you or someone you know needs support now, please use the resources below:
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
National Suicide Prevention Month: Here’s where to seek treatment in the Houston area
LGBT Switchboard Houston: 713-529-3211
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Houston: 713-970-4483
Suicide Prevention - VA Houston Health Care: 800-273-8255
Texas Youth Helpline: 855-311-1790
Harris County Sheriff’s Department Crisis: (713) 221-6000
Texana Center (Fort Bend County)
Crisis Hotline (Fort Bend) (800) 633-5686
Montgomery County 24-hr Crisis: 1-800-659-6994
Para llamadas en Espanol: 1-888-628-9454
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
If you’re a veteran in the Houston area
Houston Suicide Prevention Office
Available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
VA Houston health care
Phone: 713-794-7002
Email: HOUSPC@va.gov
Education and further resources
- National Institute of Mental Health definitions, resources, and more
- Chat at 988lifeline.org