Sounds of Saving Gives Away Over 2,000 Vinyl Records in NYC Parks for World Suicide Prevention Day
On Tuesday, September 10, non-profit advocacy organization Sounds of Saving launched a new awareness campaign dedicated to helping those suffering with mental health issues through connection with music. To raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day, Sounds of Saving — a nonprofit created to help those suffering with mental health issues through connection with music — placed thousands of vinyl records throughout NYC for anyone who wanted them.
Sounds of Saving, founded by Nick Greto and Charlie Gross, works with musicians eager to share how music has helped them through difficult times, and who will use their platform to promote opening up and seeking help during mental health challenges. These relatable stories about overcoming hopelessness or distress, especially from those we admire, have been proven to decrease suicide attempts and can normalize conversations about mental health.
Sounds of Saving stickers can be found on the front of the records bearing the hashtags #fightbackwithmusic and #SongsThatFoundMeAtTheRightTime to spread the word. The records were spread across New York City, including Union Square Park, near City Hall, and in subways.
“Music is the thing for me. The thing that has helped me when I’ve needed it most. It was amazing to share that with NYC today. To launch SoS in a way that could spark a little joy for this city is all we could ask,” said Nick Greto, who created Sounds of Saving in 2017 as a response to losing his uncle to suicide. Nick creates music himself, has written for music publications, and helped found a small Brooklyn record label.
“We were thrilled to see routines interrupted, smiles on faces, and people connecting when New Yorkers encountered the over 1,000 free records we placed around the city to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day. The medium is the message, and by using this as a way to announce our non-profit we celebrated the power of music to bring us all together and spark joy and offered anyone that may be in need info on how to use our website and new initiative to get the help they need,” said Charlie Gross, a psychotherapist and music photographer. His current work includes a long-term artist residency at Kings County Hospital, in addition to treating young adult patients with substance use and psychiatric disorders at the Weill Cornell Medical Center and working in private practice.
