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2025 Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Event

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  • 2 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 11/14/2025

The Saturday before Thanksgiving marks a powerful day of remembrance, connection and healing for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Since 2019, Covenant Health Parkwest, through its behavioral health division Peninsula, has hosted an annual Survivors of Suicide Loss Day event in partnership with community organizations. As part of Covenant Health, Parkwest and Peninsula honor survivors of suicide loss and remember those lost to suicide.

2025 Event Details

Parkwest will host the 2025 event on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

A man in a dark suit, white shirt, and green patterned tie smiles in a professional headshot against a plain light background.
Dennis Gillian, Keynote Speaker
  • Dennis Gillan, Keynote Speaker, Survivor, Half a Sorrow Foundation, Mental Health Advocate
  • Scott Payne, MDiv, Survivor, Outreach and Support Manager CONTACT Care Line
  • Jonathyn Elliot, Survivor, Project Director: Zero Suicide Program
  • Shaun Brown, Survivor, Lead Guitarist, Failure2Conform
  • AFSP Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Video
  • Art Activity Presented by Gabrielle Buuck

Who Should Attend?

This celebration is for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Visit the event website for more information and to register for the event.

The History of Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

In 1999 Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate that led to the establishment of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.

  • Also known as Survivor Day, it was officially designated by Congress as a time for those impacted by suicide to come together in shared healing, remembrance and support.
  • Survivor Day is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving since the holidays can be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. 

Ongoing Support Through ComPASS

Peninsula hosts ComPASS (Communicating the Pain As Suicide Survivors), a free support group for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. The group offers a safe space to share experiences, learn healthy coping strategies and connect with others who understand the journey of suicide bereavement.

To learn more or join the group, please visit the ComPASS website or call 865-374-7309.

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About the Author

Covenant Health

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Covenant Health is a not-for-profit, community-owned, healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers.

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