Mental Health Awareness Month carries special meaning this year for Coronado residents Megan Keller and Brian Cooper as their mission surrounding suicide awareness and prevention continues to grow throughout the community and beyond.

Through Cade’s Day events, Keller and Cooper have worked to turn personal tragedy into action by building partnerships focused on prevention, education, and support. Their efforts continue to connect Coronado residents with organizations and programs designed to strengthen mental wellness and encourage conversations that can save lives.

Two organizations helping advance that mission are Strength in Service and The Hope Institute. Both organizations are focused on strengthening mental health resources, building human connection, and supporting individuals and families throughout the community.

Strength in Service, a Coronado-based organization, is committed to building socially connected communities through programs that promote emotional resilience, mental wellness, and human connection. While the organization has strong ties to military families and veterans, its services and programs are designed for the entire Coronado community and anyone seeking support.

As part of this effort, Strength in Service will host a QPR suicide prevention training class on June 3, 2026, at 6pm. at their office 1330 Orange Avenue, Suite 312 in Coronado. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer and is an evidence-based program designed to teach everyday people how to recognize warning signs of suicide, start difficult conversations, and help connect someone in crisis with professional support.

Keller and Cooper believe education and awareness at the local level are critical. They say communities like Coronado are strongest when neighbors look out for one another and people feel comfortable speaking up when someone may be struggling. Their message continues to focus on reducing stigma surrounding mental health while encouraging direct action before a crisis occurs.

The Cade’s Day organization also continues its partnership with Workshop for Warriors by helping support welding and trade-school scholarships for veterans transitioning into skilled careers. Upcoming Cade’s Day events will continue raising funds for scholarships while also supporting suicide awareness and prevention efforts throughout the community.

The organization’s advocacy work recently reached the Arizona State Capitol, where Governor Katie Hobbs ceremonially signed Cade’s Law into law on May 1, 2026. The legislation focuses on increasing accountability surrounding online exploitation and the protection of minors on social media platforms. For Keller and Cooper, the signing represented another major step in transforming Cade’s story into meaningful action that they hope will protect families not only in Arizona, but nationwide.

To RSVP for the June 3, 6pm QPR training, call or text (619) 922-2064. If you see something, say something.

VOL. 116, NO. 19 – May 13, 2026