Amplified Minds Nonprofit Works to Reduce Suicide Rates in Dallas Music Scene

Jonathan Taylor is a musician based in Dallas, Texas. For years, he struggled with suicidal ideation and was slowly running out of reasons to stay. His trajectory suddenly shifted when he walked into Club Dada in Deep Ellum, Dallas, and saw people handing out guitars for free.

Taylor expressed, "I wasn't expecting this at all. This is, like, going to be one of the best days of my life right here." That was the day Taylor met Amplified Minds, a nonprofit that offers counseling and treatment for depression and addiction in the Dallas area.

Their official slogan is 'Live Fast. Die Old.' The nonprofit was founded after drummer Anthony Delabano lost both of his bandmates, Frankie and Adam, to suicide in early 2011. Originally named Foundation 45, as a nod to their band Spector 45, the organization has since evolved.

Over a decade later, Delabano commemorates his bandmates with a mural painted by Frankie’s father. Delabano works daily in the Dallas community through Amplified Minds. He recounts meeting Taylor on Art of the Guitar day, an Amplified Minds fundraiser where artists distribute free instruments and engage in creative activities.

To date, Delabano counts 4,000 individuals who have attended events, shared their stories, and expressed gratitude to the nonprofit for helping them. "Now, looking back, it's 4,000 people, and it's hard for me not to cry," Delabano stated. "All the people that would have been impacted, 4,000 families, they're OK now." This report is based on coverage from Good Good Good.