Mental health professionals, advocates and community leaders across Kentucky are invited to join a statewide roundtable discussion on Tuesday focused on strengthening suicide prevention efforts and breaking down barriers to mental health support.

The virtual roundtable convenes from 10:30 a.m. to noon on May 12, hosted by the University of Kentucky's Building Bridges to Farmer Mental Health project and the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities. The sessions are supported by a $3.1 million grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The roundtable launch reflects growing urgency around Kentucky's mental health crisis. Kentucky ranks 15th nationally in suicide rates, up from 17th in recent years, a shift that prompted state officials to coordinate prevention efforts. Approximately 800 Kentuckians die by suicide each year, according to state officials, with rural communities disproportionately affected by limited access to mental health services.

"Every year Kentucky loses roughly 800 people to suicide. These folks are not just numbers. They were loved, had families and were part of communities," said Beck Whipple, State Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the state's behavioral health department. "Each loss is deeply felt and affects their community."

The Building Bridges project was developed in response to growing mental health challenges in agricultural communities, where stigma, isolation and limited access to care create barriers to support. The initiative expands mental health support through training, community partnerships and improved access to trusted resources.

The roundtables were launched in 2025 after feedback from partners and advocates identified an opportunity to harmonize efforts across sectors. The most recent gathering brought together more than 100 professionals, including representatives from academic institutions, community organizations, health systems and individuals with lived experience of mental health crises.

"When we make room for intentional, fireside-style conversations, we move beyond updates and into relationship-building," said Kylee Pipgrass, project coordinator for Building Bridges. "That's where real collaboration and impact begin."

Discussion topics included emerging trends in suicide surveillance, intervention strategies, post-suicide support for affected communities, and the role of lived experience in shaping prevention approaches. Kentucky established the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2022, which connects residents to trained counselors 24/7.

For more information or to register for the May 12 roundtable, contact Kylee Pipgrass at kylee.pipgrass@uky.edu.