Woman strives to bring ‘Ripple Effect’ to Fleur Cinema

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Several weeks ago, Kristin Sauter joined me for coffee and explained her passion for bringing mental health services into the business community in Greater Des Moines. She’s working with Fleur Cinema to bring “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” into the community Oct. 16 and open up more discussion about a difficult and tragic topic. Sauter, a mental health advocate, took the time to answer a few questions about the effort.

1. What is the motivation to bring this movie to Greater Des Moines?

Mental illness and suicide are a growing concern in Iowa. The suicide rate in Iowa increased by 36 percent between 1999 and 2016. This totaled 451 Iowa lives lost to suicide in 2016. We have to begin to reverse this horrific trend.  

I want to shed light on the subject of suicide, starting with this movie, to encourage open and honest conversation throughout our community in an effort to offer better alternatives to those suffering from mental illness. The movie provides a special opportunity to connect with a suicide survivor who can offer his unique, firsthand perspective on the subject. I believe the film will help expand our community perspective on mental illness and I hope it will inspire us to work together to better help our family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others who are suffering. 

2. What is the movie about?

“Suicide: The Ripple Effect” focuses on the devastating effects of suicide and the tremendous positive ripple effects of advocacy, inspiration and hope that are helping millions heal and stay alive every single day.

The film highlights the story of Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Today, Kevin is a world-renowned mental health advocate, motivational speaker and author who travels the globe spreading his message of hope, recovery and wellness.

The film highlights Kevin’s personal journey and the ripple effect it has on those who have been impacted by his suicide attempt and his life’s work since. In addition, the film highlights the stories of individuals and families who are using their personal tragedy to bring hope and healing to others.

3. What benefit is there for the business community to know about the event?

Our mental health impacts all areas of our lives, including our workplaces. Mental illness in the workplace can negatively impact employee performance, productivity and relationships among co-workers.

I believe workplaces can be a significant contributor to the mental wellness of their employees, thereby also having a positive impact on the community. The workplace can provide an important environment not only for recognizing mental health concerns but also for offering employee assistance that responds to those concerns. My mission is to raise awareness of the mental health needs in the workplace and to develop and promote a variety of new approaches and programs that support these needs.  

I believe the Des Moines business community can provide great leadership throughout the community by encouraging the development of employee mental health services. I welcome input from the business community in this effort. 

4. Do you have future events or plans you could share?

I am working on a number of new concepts for mental health programs that I would like to implement in the community, particularly in the workplace. In this effort, I welcome meetings with members of the business community, particularly those with a similar interest and vision for mental health services, to discuss how we can develop and grow innovative ideas for our workplaces and our community. 

5. How could anyone interested in mental health in the workplace get in touch with you?

I can be reached at mrs.kristinsauter@gmail.com.