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The National Leadership Council of the Iris Alliance Fund is a 65-member advisory body of private foundations, nonprofit organizations, health care professionals, businesses, legislators, and government leaders who are committed to preventing youth suicide and improving mental health outcomes for diverse communities. Through an annual meeting and year-round technical assistance, the Iris Alliance Fund engages these national and local leaders in becoming ambassadors for suicide prevention, reducing stigma through education, and changing the public discourse on mental health issues.

Over the past five years, the Iris Alliance Fund has brought together a wide array of national policy leaders, philanthropic leaders, and family members together to discuss mental health and suicide prevention issues at the annual meeting of the National Leadership Council.

The Iris Alliance Fund convened its first national meeting on October 3, 2002, featuring former US Surgeon General and Iris Alliance Fund Honorary Chair Dr. David Satcher as the keynote speaker. The second annual meeting on October 15, 2003 featured Dr. Michael Hogan, Chair of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, Dr. Robert K. Ross, President and CEO of The California Endowment, and mental health advocate Tipper Gore. On October 14, 2004, the Iris Alliance Fund held its third annual meeting featuring the release of its national poll on public attitudes toward youth suicide, and guest speakers author Paul Raeburn and actress Mariel Hemingway. The fourth annual meeting took place on October 19, 2005, with keynote speakers California State Senator Tom Torlakson and Dr. James Mazza, President of the American Association of Suicidology. Most recently, the Iris Alliance Fund convened its fifth annual meeting on September 20, 2006, featuring the results of the first-ever opinion poll of 1000 California parents about postpartum depression.

Through the annual meetings and with the committed participation of the National Leadership Council members, the Iris Alliance Fund has been able to raise greater public awareness about suicide issues, garnering coverage in San Francisco Bay Area and national media, and distributing its materials to over stakeholders across the country.

Annual Meeting Agenda Archive (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

2002 Annual Meeting

2003 Annual Meeting

2004 Annual Meeting

2005 Annual Meeting

2006 Annual Meeting