BATON ROUGE — In honor of national suicide prevention month in September, one family is doing everything in their power to ensure no one else feels the pain they’re all too familiar with. In April 2023, tragedy struck Jordan Tabor and his family with the loss of their son, Owen, to suicide. Just two weeks shy of his 16th birthday, Owen was a popular, accomplished young man who seemed to have everything going for him.
“He was starting as a tight end as a sophomore at St. Michael High School,” Jordan Tabor shared in a recent interview with UWK. “If Owen could fall victim to suicide, then all of our kids are at risk.”
In response, the Tabors founded the Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation in May 2023 to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Since then, the foundation has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), spearheading efforts like the “Prevention in Every Parish” campaign. Their goal is to provide suicide prevention education across Louisiana.
Suicide by the Numbers: A Growing Crisis
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with 49,476 Americans dying by suicide in 2022. Additionally, 1.6 million people attempted suicide that year. The overall suicide rate stands at 14.21 per 100,000 individuals, with men dying by suicide nearly four times as often as women. White males account for 68.46% of suicide deaths, and tragically, firearms are involved in 54.64% of cases.
These alarming statistics highlight a nationwide mental health crisis, as 94% of American adults believe suicide can be prevented, yet 67% have at some point thought they were experiencing a mental health condition.
Moreover, 26% of U.S. adults have contemplated or attempted suicide. As mental health struggles become more visible, adults are increasingly finding ways to cope: 45% prioritize sleep, 44% focus on healthier eating, and 41% exercise as methods of self-care.
Boots on the Ground: The Foundation’s Work in Schools
Rain Will Bring Flowers and AFSP have already reached over 34,515 individuals in 17 parishes promoting suicide awareness. Megan Goldbeck, Louisiana Representative for AFSP, noted that the foundation’s presence in schools is growing.
“We just did a training for a behavioral health provider in Baton Rouge, and next, we’re working with the East Baton Rouge School District to connect with around 20,000 kids.”
The highest suicide rates are found in the elderly population, with those aged 85 and older facing a rate of 23.02 per 100,000, followed by individuals aged 75–84 with a rate of 20.26 per 100,000.
Goldbeck emphasized that suicide prevention education is key to early intervention. “People don’t have to be mental health professionals to make a difference. Our trainings give students and adults the tools they need to recognize warning signs before a crisis happens,” she explained.
A Personal Commitment to Preventing Future Losses
For Jordan Tabor, preventing future tragedies is deeply personal.
“Had my son’s school had this training, had his friends been exposed to this, maybe he would still be with us,” he emphasized. While there is no certainty, the foundation’s mission is to make sure every child, parent, and educator is equipped to prevent such devastating losses.
Goldbeck restated this by saying, “Suicide is a leading cause of death, but there are things we can do to help prevent it. We want people to understand that there’s hope and help and that they don’t have to walk this path alone.”
The Out of the Darkness Walk
One of the foundation’s flagship events is the annual “Out of the Darkness” walk, organized by AFSP to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.
“Yes, it’s a fundraiser,” Goldbeck said, “but it’s so much more. People who’ve lost loved ones or struggled with suicidal thoughts find a supportive community.” She described the emotional significance of the event’s Honor Beads, with each color representing different connections to suicide.
“It’s really special,” she added, “because people connect with others who’ve had similar experiences. It’s a club no one wants to join, but there’s healing in knowing you’re not alone.”
This year’s walk, scheduled for October 19th at Pennington Biomedical Center, will be particularly meaningful for the Tabor family as they form a team in Owen’s honor. Last year, the Louisiana chapter of AFSP broke national records, raising $50,000.
“We’re not just raising money,” Goldbeck said, “we’re building a community where people feel supported and empowered to take care of their mental health.”
A Call to Action
The Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation and AFSP are determined to prevent further loss by reaching as many people as possible. Goldbeck summed it up: “Our mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. We need schools, parents, and communities to partner with us in this life-saving work.”
“This is how we’re managing our grief—by making sure no other family has to walk in our shoes.”
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