#United States #Sacramento #Suicide Prevention #Comedy Tour #1° of Separation

1° of Separation's Global Comedy Tour: A Unique Approach to Suicide Prevention

This September, 1° of Separation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention, is launching an innovative global comedy tour to promote mental health awareness. The initiative aims to break down the stigma associated with mental health issues, bringing vital conversations and tools to diverse audiences. As the world celebrates Suicide Prevention Month, this tour will resonate in both significant military installations and local community venues.

The tour features a series of events across the United States, including stops at various Air Force bases such as Travis AFB in California and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma, along with college campuses like Sierra College. The tour will also extend internationally to South Korea, ensuring that the laughter and discussion reach service members and communities abroad.

Brad Bonar Jr., the founder and comedian behind 1° of Separation, believes that using humor is a powerful tool in addressing mental health. In his words, "We take the hardest subjects people face and meet them with honesty, humor, and humanity." This approach transforms the atmosphere of the events, turning guarded emotions into open dialogues where real conversations about mental health issues can begin.

The statistics concerning suicide are sobering; it was the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 34 in 2022, claiming nearly 49,449 lives in America. With the Department of Defense reporting a troubling rise in active-duty suicides, the need for innovative and effective training methods has never been more urgent. 1° of Separation stands out as one of the few recognized nonprofits across various military branches, underscoring its commitment to provide quality suicide prevention training.

Tour Schedule and Community Engagement

The tour itinerary spans from September 4 to September 26, including over 20 events across 15 states and South Korea. Highlights include:

• - September 4: Travis AFB, CA
• - September 6-7: Ft. Smith, AR, Little Rock, AR, Tinker AFB, McConnell AFB
• - September 9-12: Moody AFB, GA, Sierra College, Jacksonville, FL
• - September 14-18: Volk Field, WI, Anchorage, AK, Hurlburt Field, FL
• - September 23-26: Multiple shows in South Korea, Langley AFB, VA, Syracuse, NY

Victoria Bonar, COO and VP of 1° of Separation, emphasizes the broader goal of the tour: "This is more than a tour—it's a movement. Every stage we step onto is another opportunity to save lives by making mental health a conversation people aren't afraid to have."

The organization utilizes interactive elements during their events, employing their signature