Major General Mark Graham, previous commander of Fort Carson, and his wife Carol tragically lost both of their sons. Jeffrey Graham, a University of Kentucky Army ROTC cadet, died by suicide in June of 2003. Kevin was a top ROTC cadet, earning several awards, who had also been diagnosed with the medical condition of Depression. Fearing he would lose his scholarship if the Army found out about his diagnosis, Kevin discontinued medication without the supervision of a physician.
The Graham's older son, Jeff, was also a scholarship student that had graduated from The University of Kentucky in 2003 with a degree in Civil Engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army as an Armor Officer. While deployed in Khaldiyah, Jeffrey died a hero when he warned is platoon of an IED taped to a guardrail, keeping many of them from being impacted by the explosion.
Major General Mark Graham and Mrs. Carol Graham have dedicated their lives to serve in the memory of their sons. The speak across the country if efforts to address stigma around access mental health support. Losing one son to suicide who did not access help due to fear of others knowing, and realizing that if Jeff had survived, he would have lived with injuries and trauma that would require on-going support, support that many surviving soldiers refuse due to stigma, they encourage others to seek mental health treatment and support.
PPSPP honors their family and their work by naming our Peer Support Programs the Jeffrey & Kevin Graham Support Services. The Grahams believe that these supports can truly have a positive impact on those living with mental health struggles.
Suicide Prevention Connection Adult Peer Support Group (18+)
Weekly adult peer support group that meets in-person. This group has been created for adults who have been impacted by suicide. Participants include those struggling with thoughts of suicide, those supporting someone who struggles with thoughts of suicide, and suicide loss survivors. Trained facilitators engage the group in supportive discussions about the issues weighing in the hearts of its participants helping group members to find a safe space where they can make supportive connections. This groups meets every Monday from 6-730pm and is a confidential walk-in group with no registration required.
Young Adult Peer Support Group ( Ages 18-25 )
Weekly young adult peer support groups that meets in person. This is a group that has been created for young adults who have experienced mental health struggles and/or suicidal ideation. Trained facilitators support this group in guided conversations about the situations participants may be experiencing. This is a safe place for young adults to feel heard and make supportive connections. This group meets every Wednesday from 6-730pm, and will start when enough participants have registered. We welcome you!
One to One Peer Support Program
Program Participants are paired with a trained Peer Support Volunteer with whom they connect with on a scheduled cadence. These connections can be virtual or in-person. They can be a coffee, a walk, or simply a text. Scheduled connections are available 24/7.
Resource Navigation:
Unsure where to start? Our staff and volunteers are trained to listen to your story and help you find the help you need.
Suicide Prevention Referral Program:
Organizations can enter into a formal partnership with PPSPP to help individuals who are struggling with thoughts of suicide build a network of support. To learn more, contact maria@pikespeaksuicideprevention.org
Education and Awareness:
We provide several free suicide prevention trainings, awareness presentations, and resource tables. If have a group or an event that you would like suicide prevention information at, we can customize to meet your needs.
Those needing immediate support can call the Colorado Crisis Line at 1-844-493-TALK
For more information on Jeffrey and Kevin Graham Support Services, or to seek help through the program, go to call 719 573-7447.
The board members , staff and volunteers of Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention are honored to dedicate their suicide prevention services in honor of 2LT Jeffrey Carl Graham who was killed in action in Khaldiyah, Iraq 2004 and Kevin Alan Graham, Senior ROTC Cadet, died by suicide 2003.
Retired Major General Mark and his wife Carol have dedicated their lives to serve in memory of their sons by speaking at local, national and international level to address the stigma of seeking treatment for psychological illnesses.
