Our History
In 2012, the people of Davidson lost five people to suicide, and twelve more were in such a hopeless place that they made an attempt to take their own lives. Our experience that year was five times the national average. According to research, 115 people are affected by each suicide in a community and the effect is cumulative.
In the wake of this devastating sadness, former Mayor John Woods gathered town leaders, while concerned parents had meetings of their own—Why here? Why now? And, most importantly, what can we do? From those first meetings of concerned and worried community members, Davidson LifeLine launched.
Starting as a town initiative, led by citizens, Davidson LifeLine gained its non-profit 501(c)(3) status in August, 2014. The work we do is supported by grants and generous donations.
Compassion. Connection. Community.
Our mission is to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention in our community. We know that especially in a community like Davidson, the single greatest barrier to mental health services is stigma. What will people think? What’s wrong with my family? I must be the only one. The truth is far different.
One in five of us will deal with a mental illness in any given year.
Davidson LifeLine is fortunate to have incredible community partners sitting at our table: The Town of Davidson, Atrium Health, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Mental Health America of the Greater Carolinas, mental health professionals, clergy, business owners, and community leaders including parents and high school youth.
Together, we seek to create and support a more resilient, stigma-free community while always bearing compassion for the loss we collectively feel.
Officers of the Executive Board
Advisory Board Members
