National Suicide Prevention Month

The month of September

There was a season in my life when I couldn't see a way forward. The identity I had built everything around was gone. The thing that made me feel worthy, purposeful, and seen had been stripped away — and I didn't know who I was without it.

I experienced suicidal ideation. I sat with thoughts I was ashamed to speak out loud, in a silence that felt like it was swallowing me whole. I wasn't a statistic then. I was just a person who couldn't find a reason to keep going.

Now I get to share my story with people across the world. I’ve partnered with brands like Lululemon to share my story on World Mental Health Day. I hope I can partner with you to help your students see that their story is just as beautiful.💙

If you or a student is in crisis right now — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline · Call or text 988

Why Suicide Prevention month matters to me.

program setting options.

Full Assembly

A high-energy, story-first keynote for the whole school — tailored by grade level and delivered with the honesty that makes students actually listen and feel seen.

Student Breakout Sessions

A more intimate setting where students can share, ask questions, and process in a space Rashad creates specifically for that level of honesty — with administrators and counselors invited to listen.

The Peer Leader Session

Your student leaders already have influence. This session teaches them how to use it. Rashad works directly with your leadership mix to build the one skill no one else is teaching them — how to check in on a peer in a way that actually opens a door.

This isn’t some cute speech. He lives it.

How he connects in such a deep way…

Personal Experience with Suicidal Ideation

Rashad speaks from lived experience — not just theory. He knows the weight of what students in that room may be carrying, because he has carried it himself.

He Almost Didn't Stay

There was a season when he couldn't see a reason to keep going. Not because he was weak — because he was human, and nobody had ever taught him that what he was feeling had a name, or that asking for help was an option.

Completed Counseling & Ongoing Wellness Practice

There were seasons when Rashad couldn't see a reason to keep going. Not because he was weak — because he was human, and nobody had ever taught him that what he was feeling had a name, or that asking for help was an option. He sat in that silence longer than he should have.

The numbers behind the silence.

2nd

Leading cause of death among people ages 10–34 in the United States

1 in 5

High school students seriously considered suicide in the past year

46%

Of those who die by suicide showed no warning signs — which is why this conversation must happen before crisis

What your students will walk away with after a safe space is created

  • The language to name what they're feeling — and permission to say it out loud to a trusted adult

  • Proof that survival is possible — from someone who sat in the same darkness and chose to stay

  • A concrete plan for what to do if they or a friend is in crisis — not just a poster, an actual next step

  • A shift in the stigma around counseling — getting help becomes brave, not shameful

  • Teacher and counselor follow-up guide included — so the conversation doesn't end when the assembly does

  • "I had the pleasure of working with Rashad Cohen for our 2024 Red Ribbon Week student assemblies. He delivered a powerful, engaging program that truly resonated with our students. What stood out most was his willingness to connect on a personal level—after the assembly, he stayed to answer questions, offer encouragement, and even joined our PTSA sponsored lunch celebration.”

    Tara Kessler, Program Chair
    Shepton High School PTSA (Plano ISD)

  • “It brought tears to my eyes. I think most kids are troubled nowadays and they could really use the information that he speaks about.”

    8th Grade Student

  • "He came with resources and materials that we in the education world are always seeking."

    Frida Rodriguez, Adams 12 Five Star School, Denver, CO

  • "It was super inspirational. The kids left saying they wanted to be like him and hoped he’d come back again. They appreciated that he was real, authentic, and truly believed in what he was saying. That meant a lot to our kids."

    Dr. Ashley Schaefer, Assistant Principal
    Richfield Middle School

  • "I don’t think anybody that has come across the paths of Mr. Cohen can say they haven’t been changed and transformed.”

    Dr. Rashad Anderson, MSU Call Me Mister Director
    Metropolitan State University of Denver

  • "Everything he says is incredibly impactful on your life!"

    Jacob, 8th Grade Student

  • "Wow! He talked to us about what our values were and totally aligned his message for our students. I'm super excited to weave in his messaging through the rest of the school year. Can't wait to invite him back!"

    Dr. Cathy Kindem, Principal
    Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences

  • "His words perfectly delivered our message, and his contagious energy was key to the success of our lululemon field day. He left a lasting impact on the children who attended."

    Alondra Hernandez, Community Specialist
    lululemon

  • "He tailored his assembly to what we needed! He brought the students in right away, got them excited, told a touching story, recognized the teachers and just filled us up! It was such a positive experience."

    Karen Keffeler, Principal
    Meadow Ridge Elementary

  • “We talked to him about what we were feeling and what we needed for our kids. And what’s amazing is that his message was exactly what they needed to hear, like to a tee! Except it was so much better than we could imagine!”

    Freya Schirmacher, Principal
    Minnetonka Middle School West

are you ready?

September Is Coming Fast

A tailor-made experience specifically targeted to your schools needs

Let's Connect!
Let's Connect!