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Let's change the definition of suicide.

We believe suicide is a side effect of mental illness. Help erase the stigma and sign our definition petition.

i understand is for living in peace and understanding after losing a loved one by suicide and for those living with mental illness

i understand delivers compassionate comfort by providing mental health care packages

Amway River Bank Run Charity Partner

Learn how you can lace up for mental health and join us on May 11, 2019!

Sharing understanding

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Partners in Care

i understand is proud to collaborate with Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in providing after care packages to patients and families following a mental health crisis or death by suicide. Beginning July 2017, a full-time clinical nurse specialist will be dedicated to educating staff, patients and families on good mental health and sharing the i understand mission.

Watch the woodtv news story

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Community Awareness Events

i understand hosts free monthly awareness events in collaboration with other West Michigan non-profit organizations in an effort to build community, cultivate conversation, and diminish the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. Pictured here is the Yoga Community Class with EmbodyGR at City Flats Ballroom in Grand Rapids, Michigan that was held October 2016.

Attend an upcoming event

44,965

people die by suicide in the United States every year

Testimonials

Depression does not discriminate yet it's one of those things that nobody wants to talk about. I'm proud to support i understand and bring this conversation to the forefront. Hope is a beautiful thing.

Doug Meijer

i understand is a very supportive group! I used to self harm, and now when I get really down I just simply read other people's stories from i understand and know I'm not alone. I have "i understand" and I truly understand.

Judy West

The work that i understand is doing in the West Michigan community and beyond is truly making a difference, one life at a time.

Dr. Beth Kowal

Special thanks to