Suicide Prevention Nathaniel B. Field Memorial Foundation
Join us in preventing suicide through awareness, education and support.
We are an IRS recognized 501(c)(3)
Nathaniel B. Field Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Our Mission
The mission of the Nathaniel B. Field Memorial Foundation, Inc. is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, to reduce the stigma of mental illness, and to provide hope and support.
Did you know that in Connecticut, suicide is the second leading cause of death in 2023 for ages 10-34 (afsp.org). According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in 2023, 49,316 suicides were reported, making suicide the 11th leading cause of death for Americans. In that same year, there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts.
Dying by suicide is an epidemic in this country! With your help, we want to spread our motto around like wildfire! “YOU’RE WORTH IT!” If the activities that we pursue, through your generous support, save even one life, then we will be proud of our efforts. Together, we can make a difference!
Thank you! Marie and Howie Field
ABOUT NATHANIEL B. FIELD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, INC.
ABOUT US
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR IMPACT
We have focused on mental health awareness following the loss of our son Nathaniel Field who died by suicide on April 12, 2015. Nathan was an outstanding student in his junior year at Haddam-Killingworth High School. He was involved in numerous school clubs and activities, and participated in tennis and indoor track. He was witty, modes
We have focused on mental health awareness following the loss of our son Nathaniel Field who died by suicide on April 12, 2015. Nathan was an outstanding student in his junior year at Haddam-Killingworth High School. He was involved in numerous school clubs and activities, and participated in tennis and indoor track. He was witty, modest, and a great son and brother. We never had any reason to suspect that he was struggling.
There is a tremendous need for support groups to assist survivors by providing hope and the knowledge that they are not alone. Luckily, we found a Suicide Survivors support group that has helped us tremendously in regaining some degree of normalcy in our lives. Sadly, many families are confronted with similar circumstances. We have come to the realization that numerous people, young and old, struggle with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental illness. We have experienced firsthand that loved ones can hide serious, yet treatable illnesses from their friends, family, teachers, and classmates.
OUR IMPACT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR IMPACT
We have sponsored educational/motivational speaker John Halligan multiple times at local middle schools and high schools in the towns of Haddam and Killingworth, Deep River, Chester and Essex, Durham and Middlefield, Middletown, and Vinal Technical High School. John’s inspirational messages effectively address bullying, cyberbullying and
We have sponsored educational/motivational speaker John Halligan multiple times at local middle schools and high schools in the towns of Haddam and Killingworth, Deep River, Chester and Essex, Durham and Middlefield, Middletown, and Vinal Technical High School. John’s inspirational messages effectively address bullying, cyberbullying and suicide prevention across the nation. He stresses being an up-stander instead of a bystander, that we are loved beyond belief and that forgiveness can be very healing. In addition, we have teamed up with John Morello in bringing John to multiple local school districts as well. John has captivated thousands of high school and middle school students and staff across the country as he weaves his personal stories that cover a wide range of topics including mental health awareness, suicide prevention, substance abuse, and inclusion. In 2020, the Foundation gave a substantial grant to support John’s printing of his Graphic Novel “DIRT”. This printing supported John’s efforts to reach out to students and staff remotely and in-person.
To date, our Foundation has awarded forty-three $1,000 scholarships to Haddam-Killingworth HS seniors, and three $1,000 scholarships to Valley Regional HS seniors.
Our Foundation supports organizations with similar goals. For example, we organized 5 Health and Wellness Fairs open to the public with 30 organizations in attendance. We donated a monetary grant to the Middletown Public Schools program “All Pro Dads”. We have donated $11,000 to Volunteers in Psychotherapy. We collaborated with Killingworth based Changing Minds Advocacy Group to provide a Mental Health Fair and a Mental Health First Aid training for community members. Our team “You’re Worth It!” has participated in numerous American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of Darkness Community Walks and the Hike for Hope. Our team has walked in multiple Brian Dagle Foundation’s Niantic 5K Jingle Bell walks, and we donated books and $7,500 to their Center For Hope And Healing. Finally, we have participated in several Gilead Community Services “Who Will You Move For” 5K and 10K walks and made monetary donations to support their resources for the mentally ill.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board of Directors:
Marie Field- President
Christiana Field- Vice President
Howie Field- Treasurer
Gary Ginter - Secretary
Russ Arrigoni
Dawn Earley
Jonathan W. Field Esq.
Honorary Board of Directors
Cecile Haase
Megan Haase
Luke Haase
NEED HELP?
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
in the United States:
Call, text, or Chat 988 or Call
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Languages: English, Spanish
Or Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.
Website:
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.
ORGANIZATIONS
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
120 Wall Street, 29th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Sponsors International Survivors of Suicide Day, the Survivor e-Network and survivor support group facilitator training program. Publishes an extensive bibliography, support group directory and information about suicide and mental illness. Funds scientific research, develops prevention initiatives and offers educational programs and conferences for survivors, mental health professionals, physicians, and the public.
2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1 is your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, childcare, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention, including emergency mobile psychiatric services (EMPS) for children and adolescents. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut and you will reach a highly-trained call specialist who will assess your needs and provide referrals to the resources in your community.
www.211ct.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness - Connecticut Chapter
860-882-0236
Brian's Healing Hearts: A Grief Support Center for Hope and Healing
860-457-8354
The Dougy Center
The National Center for Grieving Children & Families
503-775-5683
Publishes extensive resources for helping children and teens who are grieving the death of a parent, sibling, or friend including "After Suicide: A Workbook for Grieving Kids."
The Compassionate Friends
630-990-0010
For all parents, siblings, and grandparents who have experienced the death of a child, brother, sister, or grandchild. Sponsors support groups, newsletters and on-line support groups throughout the country, as well as an annual national conference for bereaved families.
The Recovery Village
A web resource that provides information and support to people fighting suicidal thoughts, addiction, and mental illness. Their medical staff has created a comprehensive depression and suicide resource guide.
www.therecoveryvillage.com
Medicare Plans for Mental Health Care.
A web resource that provides information and support related to Mental Health Care.
The Trevor Project
The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
The Trevor Lifeline: If you need support, please call 866-488-7386
www.thetrevorproject.org
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH: CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS
Nathaniel B. Field Memorial Foundation, Inc. - Mental Health Awareness
On Friday, March 29, 2019, a free, public panel discussion focused on the issue of student mental health was held at the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts at Southern Connecticut State University. This discussion featured a panel of experts who addressed common mental health struggles faced by many students, as well as the resources and opportunities available for support.
Portions of this panel discussion are showcased in the new one-hour program Student Mental Health: Crucial Conversations, which premiered on CPTV on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 8 p.m. and encores on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 6 p.m. and in September 2019. The program is also now available to stream in its entirety. Student Mental Health: Crucial Conversations also features insights from student and mental health advocates through prerecorded interviews, storytelling, and select responses recorded during the audience Q&A at the live event.
Additional Resources
- Jordan Porco Foundation
- The JED Foundation and JED Campus
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Disability Rights Connecticut
- Bazelon Center
Support Mental Health Awareness Today
Join us in our mission to promote mental health awareness and prevent suicide. Your generous donations help fund vital programs and resources that make a difference in our community. Together, we can save lives and create a brighter future.