Hard Edges, Soft Landings: Suicide Prevention and Postvention with Six Feet Over

In this episode, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Kate Hardy (Founder/Executive Director) and Laura Lukofsky (Administrative Coordinator) of Six Feet Over. After a chance meeting at the Great Beer State Conference, we learn how this Michigan-based nonprofit is changing suicide prevention and postvention by meeting people where they are—whether that’s a punk rock show, a local brewery, or a tattoo shop.Content warning: This episode contains honest, direct discussions about suicide, loss, and mental health.In This Episode, We Discuss:* The “Suck It! Suicide” (SIS) Vibe: Why Kate moved away from clinical, “social worker” language to create a straightforward, “real-talk” outreach program that connects with musicians, artists, and hospitality workers.* Postvention & The “Lemon Aid” Program: The critical need for emotional and financial support for survivors of suicide loss. Kate and Laura explain the “after-death” costs that families are often unprepared for and how Six Feet Over has worked to fill those gaps.* Funding the Mission: A candid look at the current challenges facing nonprofits in Michigan and how the community can help keep the “Lemon Aid” program active.* DIY Ethos: How the punk and metal scenes’ “take care of your own” mentality drives their daily work. About Six Feet OverSix Feet Over is a 501©(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to those impacted by suicide and loss in Michigan. Through their outreach program, Suck It! Suicide, they provide a “hard edge with a soft landing” for those who don’t fit the mainstream mold of traditional mental health services.* Website: www.sixftover.org* Follow on Social Media: @sixftover / @suckitsuicide* Get Involved: Inquire about QPR Training for your business or staff to learn the signs and save lives.“No one is coming to save us. We gotta save each other.” — Laura Lukofsky.Laura, Tarrah Barshaw (from EPIC Races, Probility Ann Arbor marathon), and Katie getting down on some free pizza!Laura, during the Great Beer Conference! Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe