Messaging and Communications Advisory Group

Learn more about Action Alliance Priority: Messaging and Communications

The Messaging & Communications Advisory Group was created in 2024 to mobilize the field by aligning proactive messaging and communications strategies that promote a narrative of hope and recovery. Key focus areas include aligning messaging around upstream prevention and lethal means safety.

Leads:  

Public Sector: Kelly Holton, Associate Director for Communications, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Private Sector: Jack Benson, Partner, Reingold, Inc. 

Members: 

• Noopur Agarwal, Vice President for Social Impact, Paramount
• Rachel Eveans, Vice President of Communications, Mental Health America (MHA)
• Bobbi Hauptmann, Senior Director, Communications and Actions Team, Office of Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Chris Maxwell, Director of Communications, Outreach, and Events, Office of Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Janell Norris, Communications and Marketing Lead for 988, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Susie [수지] Reynolds Reece, Director of Lived Experience Initiatives at Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
• Stephanie Rogers, Chief Communications Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
• April Carty-Sipp, Executive Vice President, Industry Affairs and Innovation, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
• Michelle Swain, Director, Strategic Communications, Reingold, Inc.
• Colleen Sulatis, Lived Experience Engagement Manager, Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) 

Past Members: 

• Claire Cole, Ph.D., former Lead Public Affairs Specialist, Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications, National Institute of Mental Health
• Katie Deal, MPH, Suicide Prevention Expert
• Deb Houry, MD, MPH, former Chief Medical Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Jennifer Jose, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)