Advocate for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
John and Michele Dietl are passionate about mental health and suicide prevention, especially among our dedicated physicians and medical students. Their son Kevin was a fourth year medical student who died by suicide in 2015 just weeks before his graduation.
Kevin was the type of son that anyone would love to have: bright, outgoing, ambitious, kind and sensitive. While going through the rigors of medical training, the Dietl's saw his demeanor change as he struggled with depression and anxiety. But it wasn't until after his death that the Dietl's learned that his chosen profession put him at a higher risk for suicide.
In the last 9 years the Dietl's have been dedicated to raising awareness of this problem as well as causes and promising solutions. To that end, they have shared Kevin's story in the full length documentary film "Do No Harm" which was shown nationwide and featured at the Cleveland International Film Festival. They have been featured speakers at medical schools, conferences, and professional organizations across the country. They have also testified in the Missouri Legislature in support of legislation which has benefited all 6 medical schools in the state.
John and Michele are retired but remain dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, especially as it relates to early intervention. They both serve vital roles at CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, a non-profit based in St. Louis which is focused on suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs for kids beginning in the fourth grade. John sits on the Board of Directors and Michele has co-chaired their annual gala for the last 4 years, raising over $700,000 to support CHADs programs, counseling and therapy services throughout Missouri.