Promise2Live’s recent Silicon Slopes Town Hall addressed the men’s mental health crisis with data, personal stories, and resources. Sponsored by New York Life and hosted at Silicon Slopes, the event urged men to break the silence, seek help, and support one another.
Lehi, Utah, June 23, 2025
At a recent Silicon Slopes Town Hall dedicated to Men’s Mental Health Month, nonprofit Promise2Live brought together mental health professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates to tackle an urgent but often overlooked crisis: the disproportionate rate of suicide among men.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the U.S., yet the majority say they would not seek professional help or even reach out to friends during a crisis. Promise2Live’s mission is to reverse this trend through community engagement and a simple but powerful ask: make a promise to reach out for help—and to be there when others do.
The event featured voices from Utah’s tech and wellness communities, including licensed therapist Emily Krupa, entrepreneur and mental health advocate Jason Clawson, and Curtis Morley, and Joe Tuia'ana, founder of the I Love You Bro Project. Held in partnership with Silicon Slopes and sponsored by New York Life, the gathering combined storytelling, data, and practical tools to encourage men to break silence and build supportive networks.
Breaking the Silence
Jason Clawson, a widowed father who has become a vocal mental health advocate after losing his wife, shared the impact of reaching out. “After months of pretending to be strong, I texted 15 friends,” he said. “That night, they all showed up. That moment saved my life.” He described men’s tendency to wear “emotional masks” and urged attendees to confront their feelings openly. “Healing isn’t a destination,” he said. “It’s a daily act of courage.”
Therapist Emily Krupa emphasized the importance of persistence in checking in on loved ones. “Ask twice,” she advised. “When someone says they’re fine, they might not be. Just asking can make all the difference.” She recounted a patient who waited over 50 years to seek therapy because no one had ever asked how he was really doing.
Curtis Morley highlighted the link between addiction and suicide risk, citing research from the National Library of Medicine that shows individuals with pornography addiction are 6.5 times more likely to die by suicide. His organization recently launched a scholarship program offering free addiction recovery resources to those who sign the Promise2Live commitment.
Promise2Live’s Simple but Impactful Approach
At the heart of Promise2Live’s work is the commitment to “make a promise”: a pledge to seek help if struggling and to reach out to others who may be suffering in silence. “These aren’t broken men,” said Joe Tuia'ana, founder of I Love You Bro, a nonprofit focused solely on men’s mental health. “They’re carrying burdens with nowhere to put them.”
The Promise2Live initiative builds on the culture of support growing within Utah’s entrepreneurial community. Ray Smithson, founder of Third Thursday at Three, a monthly gathering at Kiln for local founders, highlighted the toll of startup stress. “These are high-pressure environments. The stress is real,” he said. “Conversations about mental health are saving lives.”
Adrian, from New York Life, the sponsor of the event’s lunch, shared a personal story about his son, an Army Ranger, who survived a tragic loss because he had a support circle. “Silence is not strength. Emotional readiness is as important as any life plan.”
Looking Ahead
Promise2Live hosts monthly gatherings and encourages people to make a personal or public promise to support mental health in their communities. Upcoming events include a Comedy Night for Mental Health on August 8 at Club Paddock, featuring comedian Steve Soelberg and mentalist Sean Bott. On September 10th look out for a global livestream from Hollywood in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day.
To learn more or make your own promise, visit Promise2Live.org.
View a recording of the Silicon Slopes June Men's Mental Health Town Hall below: