Ashley Newton, Scottsdale resident who lost her father to suicide in 2012, is sinking her teeth into improving mental health and preventing suicide in her field of dentistry and beyond.

“If I had known what I do now through education and normalizing mental health conversations, I believe my story would be different than it is today,” Newton stated in a press release.

Newton is organizing “Head Above Water: Paddle to Prevent Suicide,” a fundraiser for suicide prevention at Saguaro Lake on Sept. 3. The event is free, but participants are encouraged to donate to the nonprofit United Suicide Survivors International, also known as US.

Newton, COO at Complete Health Airway Group and Complete Health Heroes, is collaborating with US to develop suicide prevention, mental health promotion and well-being programs for the dental industry.

According to the release, healthcare professionals of many different disciplines have higher rates of suicide than those employed in many other industries, and dentistry is no exception. Whether or not dentistry is higher than other occupations in medicine has been hotly debated, and suicide is underreported. Several studies have pointed to common contributors to suicide risk in dentists, the release explained.

“We are excited that suicide prevention is beginning to gain traction in the dental industry. There are tremendous opportunities to save lives, and yet there is a lot of work to be done to transform workplace cultures,” US board president Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas stated.

Spencer-Thomas was a lead author of the National Guidelines for Workplace Suicide Prevention, a national campaign to make suicide prevention a health and safety a priority in workplaces; she has been a leader in suicide prevention for the construction industry for more than a decade, the press release explained.

US and Newton’s project is in the early stages, and they are collecting data to inform program development via a survey for those working in dentistry.

Newton hopes to raise $5,000 at the event but her goals are not solely monetary, according to the release.

“I hope to continue breaking the stigma surrounding suicide and bring awareness that suicide is preventable by normalizing mental health conversations. I want more people to be familiar with warning signs and action steps to take if someone is in need,” she stated.

The event starts from the shores of Saguaro Lake and continues to a beach to see wild horses. As the release detailed, Newton dreamed of creating an event like this for many years.

“I wanted to find a unique way to connect with my community and help bring awareness for suicide prevention. I love paddleboarding, and I thought this would be a great way to come together and offer support,” Newton stated.

She hopes “Head Above Water: Paddle to Prevent Suicide” will be the first of many she will host, even internationally.

“Social connection protects against suicide so anytime we can help bring people together, especially around a common cause and in a supportive environment, we are all for that,” Spencer-Thomas added.

Junction Bike Company is donating paddle boards and kayaks for the event, and Mesa-based Arizona Wellness Center is also among the many sponsors. Owner of Gift Wrapping by Zoila, Amy Leigh Looper, is helping to organize the event and will also be speaking at it.

According to the release, Newton has a message to share with others who have lost a loved one to suicide and those struggling with mental health. “There is hope and help. You don’t have to suffer in silence. There is a judgment free support system available to you to help guide you through this time,” Newton stated.

Additionally, Newton is seeking volunteers and additional sponsorships for the day of the event. For more information, visit https://headabovewater.life/.

If you are struggling with mental health, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.