Like many of you reading this, I know what it feels like to lose someone close to you to suicide. Many are also feeling a combined sense of sadness and awareness following the high-profile suicides of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and fashion designer Kate Spade. While their worlds are well outside of healthcare, mental health touches us all.

The rate of teen suicide has steadily increased since 2005. Among youth ages 15-24 years old, suicide is the second leading cause of death. A ripple effect of needs is created when a teenage suicide death occurs. Responding appropriately is critical to ensuring that everyone affected—family, friends and the school community—receives the right type and amount of support.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the rest of the country are raising awareness of mental health.