Opening up to break the cycle

Driven to save young lives like Riley's, in 2008 Kittrell founded the organization 1 LYFE @ A TIME — the "y" in "Lyfe" emphasizing the group's work with youth — to honor his friend and draw attention to suicide prevention and the warning signs of anxiety and depression....

Kittrell meets with and counsels Prince George's County residents daily who know friends suffering from depression or are suffering themselves. For those who need professional services, he refers them to Donna Barnes, president of National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide, or to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. He tries to attend any and every speaking engagement to tell his story, he said.