When Grand Valley religious leaders first gathered with the goal of making a difference in preventing teen suicides, organizers asked what the story was, what people talked about in reference to suicide.

"Someone said, the narrative is silence," said the Rev. Wendy Jones of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley. "We're not really talking about it."

Jones and other ministers decided it was time to start talking about it, and these leaders are sponsoring an event Tuesday night titled "Who's Listening?" which includes participants from School District 51, Mind Springs, the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Mesa County and others.

Faith leaders from more than 20 congregations have met regularly to organize the event, and many also delivered sermons centered on the same message recently. It's the first time Jones can recall the wide variety of ministries coming together to deliver sermons on a central topic, regardless of their differing theologies.

Ultimately, the gathering is meant to be a community event to discuss teen suicide and mental health issues. Though faith leaders organized it, it is not a religious event.

"We believe that there is a solution, and we believe that the solution starts with us opening our minds and hearts and mouths and working together," said the Rev. Anna Scott of the Center for Spiritual Living. "We want to move from a place of feeling powerless … and create a unified effort in this valley to take action on this issue."

The event, organized by the Together Colorado Western Slope Faith Leaders Table, is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Canyon View Vineyard Church, 736 24½ Road.