The award was presented at SPAN USA’s Suicide Prevention Legislative Institute, “Achieving Change Through Action,” in Washington, D.C. The award is given each year to one or more “unsung heroes” working at the state or local level who clearly exemplify sustained commitment to the mission of suicide prevention.

 “Karen has the ability to understand the spiritual dynamics and challenges survivors face and therefore has a unique understanding of the needs of survivors,” Jerry Reed, SPAN USA’s executive director, said. “Her work is remarkable and has impacted many people.”

Survivor of the suicide deaths of her mother and her son, Charles, Moore is an ordained United Methodist minister and spiritual director in Delaware. She is founder and spiritual director of Chabereth Ministries, Inc and facilitates support groups for GriefShare and Survivors of Suicide. Karen also serves as the director of Congregational Care at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wilmington, DE.

Moore is also a member of Spiritual Directors International, Delaware Spiritual Directors, the Association of Christian Therapists, Wilmington Bereavement Professionals, American Association of Suicidology, International Association for Suicide Prevention and, as a co-founder, sits on the board of directors of the Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders

“Anne’s passionate efforts to teach others about suicide prevention have had an enormous impact on raising awareness about the public health problem of suicide from a religious, cultural and historical perspective,” Jerry Reed, SPAN USA’s executive director, said. “Her work is outstanding.”

Tyson, who is a survivor of the suicide death of her son, Ted, her husband’s uncle and her niece, is a spiritual director in a private practice in Michigan and Texas. She has received advanced training in critical incident stress debriefing, facilitates grief support and survivor support groups and is active in suicide prevention on the local, state and national levels.

Tyson is also a member of Spiritual Directors International, Wellness Institute of America, National Association of Death Education & Counseling, National Association of Lay Ministers, American Association of Suicidology, International Association of Suicide Prevention and the Association of Christian Therapists.

Through Healing Hearts Ministries, Moore and Tyson co-lead survivor retreats and educational workshops for faith community and mental health professionals who work with suicide survivors.

SPAN USA is the nation’s only suicide prevention organization dedicated to leveraging grassroots support among suicide survivors and others to

advance public policies that prevent suicide. Since its founding nine years ago, SPAN USA has led the drive to make suicide a public health priority by

building political will and calling for the development and implementation of a national strategy for suicide prevention. Using its extensive grassroots

network of survivors and advocates, SPAN USA has actively promoted the cause on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures. For more information, please