My name is John McIntosh, and I have served as Board Chair of the Alliance of Hope since 2022. For more than 35 years, my focus has been on suicide loss and postvention. I became involved in the field in the early 1980s after meeting several bereaved siblings who were organizing gatherings for suicide loss survivors. Listening to their stories touched my heart, changed my professional trajectory, and inspired decades of research and writing, including the books Suicide and Its Aftermath and Grief After Suicide.

In 2017, I was introduced to the Alliance of Hope (AOH) by Ronnie Walker and Heather Shadur. I was deeply moved by the strength of the community and the compassionate support it provides to survivors. Since joining the Board that year, I’ve witnessed the organization evolve from a grassroots effort to a professional nonprofit that meets the growing needs of those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide.

AOH is a lifeline for thousands who rely on its many resources—its 24/7 survivors Forum, healing emails, one-on-one consultations, newsletters, support groups, and educational content. While it is heartbreaking that so many turn to AOH after such devastating loss, it is profoundly meaningful to be part of an organization that brings hope and connection in times of deep sorrow.

Suicide rates in the U.S. have risen to levels not seen in nearly 80 years. As the number of suicide loss survivors increases, the demand for postvention support grows. The Alliance of Hope is responding by expanding its services and strengthening its infrastructure, ensuring support for both current and future survivors.

I want to express deep appreciation to the Alliance of Hope staff, whose devotion and compassion are extraordinary, and to our Forum Moderators and Stewards. We often say they put the “Hope” in the Alliance of Hope. These dedicated volunteers provide hundreds of hours of support to those in early grief. I also want to thank our Board of Directors for their steadfast governance, and our donors, fundraisers, and forum members whose courage and generosity make this work possible.

We cannot bring our loved ones back, but we can join together to support one another in healing. I hope you find this community to be as loving and supportive as so many others have. You are in our prayers for your ongoing healing.

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Warmly,

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John McIntosh, Ph.D.
Board Chair, Alliance of Hope