Actor Ashley Judd and singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, both personally affected by suicide with the loss of loved ones, joined the Biden administration in advocating for its new national strategy to prevent suicide. Judd’s mother, country star Naomi Judd, passed away almost two years prior, while Blacc lost his frequent collaborator Tim Bergling in 2018.
Their presence was notable as Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, revealed the administration’s blueprint for tackling the high rate of suicides in the United States, averaging 132 per day, emphasizing that suicide is preventable.
At the event, Judd and Blacc, alongside Doug Emhoff, emphasized the urgency of addressing suicide prevention. Judd shared her personal experience, highlighting her mother’s struggle with untreated mental illness and the tragic consequences.
Despite her own battles with depression, Judd underscored the importance of hope and treatment, emphasizing a message of resilience and recovery. Blacc echoed this sentiment, urging individuals to reach out and support those in crisis, stressing the significance of showing up and offering moments of joy and love as sources of strength.
Ashley Judd and Aloe Blacc Assist White House in Revealing Plan to Prevent Suicide Nationally (Credits: ABC4 Utah)
During a discussion moderated by Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, Judd, Blacc, and Shelby Rowe, executive director of the Suicide Prevention Research Center, engaged in a conversation about practical steps to support individuals in crisis.
Rowe emphasized the importance of simply reaching out and being present, while Blacc suggested offering moments of joy and memories to uplift those struggling. He encouraged people to embrace their capacity to be a source of light and love, advocating for an abundance of compassion and support.
The event concluded with a poignant moment as Blacc led the audience in singing the chorus from “This Little Light of Mine,” symbolizing the collective commitment to be beacons of hope and support for those affected by suicide. The collaboration between public figures like Judd and Blacc and the Biden administration underscores a unified effort to address the pressing issue of suicide prevention, emphasizing the power of community, compassion, and resilience in saving lives.
