"The Gift of a Smile" Suicide Prevention Smile Makeover
Personal Tragedy and Need of Awareness Inspires Dr. Collier to Provide a $70k Smile Makeover to a Tennessean Impacted by Suicide or Depression
It is estimated that every 40 seconds, someone takes their own life, and for every suicide, there are many others who attempt to take their life. This heart-wrenching statistic is more than just a number; it's a relentless reminder that suicide touches countless lives.
Among those deeply affected is Dr. Jason Collier, a local implant dentist and owner of Southern Dental Implant Center in Cordova, TN. For him, these statistics aren't distant figures; they are deeply personal. "At the age of 11, on Thanksgiving Day, I experienced the devastating loss of my father to suicide," shares Dr. Collier.
Now, during National Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Collier is transforming his personal pain into a powerful mission. Through his long-standing charitable initiative, "The Gift of a Smile," he's providing more than just dental work; he's extending hope and healing to individuals in the community touched by the anguish of depression or suicide.
Through "The Gift of a Smile," Dr. Collier is granting a smile makeover worth up to $70,000 to an individual in need of extensive dental work who has been affected by suicide or another mental health challenge, or is an advocate for suicide awareness and mental health.
"My dad taking his life left an indelible mark on my life and fuels my determination to give back to the community while shedding light on this critical issue," states Dr. Collier.
With 18 years of experience as an implant dentist, Dr. Collier has witnessed firsthand how a transformed smile can lead to a more positive outlook on life. "A smile is a universal symbol of hope and happiness," Dr. Collier emphasizes. "It can serve as a powerful tool in lifting someone's spirits."
While he acknowledges that a smile makeover won't erase the pain, he hopes to offer a glimmer of hope and the confidence to smile again to those who have endured the unimaginable.
"Suicide robs people of joy. They might not want to smile. Then if that person has missing teeth or is insecure about their smile, it's a double blow," says Dr. Collier. "By offering a smile makeover to someone who needs dental work and has been impacted by suicide, we're not just enhancing their physical appearance. We believe a renewed smile can profoundly impact mental well-being."
Starting on September 10, 2023 (World Suicide Awareness Day), individuals in our region or anyone willing to travel to our dental office for treatment who requires substantial dental work and has been affected by depression or suicide is eligible for nomination. This includes those who have lost a loved one to suicide and individuals who have battled suicidal thoughts or have confronted mental health challenges such as PTSD or chronic depression, as well as anyone who is an advocate for suicide awareness and mental health.
Dr. Collier extends a heartfelt invitation to the community to participate in this impactful initiative by nominating themselves or someone they know or simply spreading the word on their social media channels.
"We are excited to, in some small way, help give someone their smile back. Now we need deserving nominees," says Dr. Collier. "Your participation has the potential to transform a life. It's an opportunity to be part of a movement that raises awareness about suicide and mental health and offers the gift of a smile to someone who has faced unimaginable challenges."
How To Nominate:
Nominations will be accepted from September 10, 2023 (World Suicide Prevention Day) until November 18, 2023 (International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.) Nominations can be submitted by emailing stacy@aroluxe.com or by calling 615-870-9088 between the hours of 9am-6pm.
Please include the nominee's name, location, contact information, and back story.
** Because of the sensitivity of this subject, all nominees and the recipient of the smile giveaway will remain anonymous unless they would like their identity to be revealed**