'Stamp Out Suicide': How a Utah man is using a newspaper to save lives

LAYTON — Before most people know where they're headed for the day, Kris Cottrell is already on the road. Through his nonprofit, Stamp Out Suicide, Cottrell helps people experiencing homelessness across Davis and Salt Lake counties, providing food, clothing, hot showers and something many say is even harder to find: hope. As part of that outreach, Cottrell has outfitted an old ambulance into a mobile tiny home. He uses the vehicle to transport supplies and offer showers, clothing and meals to people living on the street. "These are good people — a lot of it's just circumstantial," he said. Cottrell also works at Salt Lake Behavioral Health Hospital, where he sees firsthand how common suicidal thoughts can be — both inside hospitals and out on the streets.

A newspaper with a purpose

One of his most powerful tools isn't a shelter or service — it's a newspaper. The "Stamp Out Suicide" paper features handwritten and typed notes from people who have struggled with depression, suicidal thoughts and loss. Some are anonymous, while others include names and photos. "There's something about the written word," Cottrell said. "These notes are short, but they're heartfelt." Cottrell prints the papers using his own money, then gives them to people experiencing homelessness to sell for donations. They keep 100% of what they earn. "It's starting to lift some of these people out of the poverty situation they're in," Cottrell said. [gallery ids="857822,857823,857825,857826,857827,857828,857829"]

Reaching people at their lowest

The newspaper is also distributed at hospitals, rehabilitation centers and waiting rooms — places where people may be struggling silently. Cottrell said he began to notice a pattern while doing outreach: nearly everyone he met on the street was battling suicidal thoughts. "They're good people — they just need help," he said. Cottrell said he has already seen the paper make a difference. He shared the story of a woman who went to a park intending to end her life. A homeless man offered her a "Stamp Out Suicide" paper. She sat down, began reading the notes inside — and decided to keep living.

'I find the lost boys'

Among the people Cottrell now helps is a homeless woman who goes by Peter Pan. "I find the lost boys," she said. "Sometimes I get guided by my heart and intuition." She said she has attempted to end her life multiple times and lost five friends to suicide last year. She currently lives in a storage unit. "For a long time, I ran out of hope," she said. After Cottrell taught her how to sell the newspaper, she quickly began earning donations. "Whenever I need a reminder that I'm not alone and that there's something out there for me — I just look at it," she said. "I read everybody else's stories, and it reminds me that it's going to be okay."

'It's changed my life'

For Terrance Burrell, the newspaper has also been transformative. Homeless and unable to work because of a heart condition, Burrell said selling the paper gave him something he had been missing. "For a long time, I felt like I had no purpose — no meaning," he said. "It's been life-changing. I'd rather be out here than anywhere else."

A mission that hits close to home

Cottrell's work is deeply personal. "I've been there myself," he said of those experiencing mental health struggles. He added that his nephew, who was dealing with suicidal thoughts, once walked into a coffee shop planning to have one last cup before ending his life. Inside, he saw a "Stamp Out Suicide" newspaper — with his uncle's photo on the cover. "I ended up saving my own nephew's life," Cottrell said. "I don't even know how the paper got there."

How to help

Cottrell has printed two editions of the paper so far — 2,000 copies each — and hopes to expand distribution to local gas stations and businesses. Anyone can submit a note of encouragement on StampOutSuicide.org. Any donations go directly toward printing more papers and providing food and supplies for people experiencing homelessness. "Something that you think might just be small — even a smile or a wave — it's moving and can help people," Cottrell said.

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• TheHuntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more. These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services
• Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.

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