What’s Our Goal?
On average, one person dies by suicide every eight hours in the state of Virginia. It is one of the top causes of death for persons ages 15-34. *
We believe that creating more awareness and lifting the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, we can start conversations that can reduce deaths by suicide.
UPDATE January 2023
We appreciate everyone that has pre-paid for a license plate. We are continuing to work hard to raise awareness for suicide prevention and make this license plate a reality. While we did not reach the goal for the 2023 General Assembly we will continue our work this year in hopes for a 2024 General Assembly approval. Below you will find some FAQ’s, if your question is not addressed below please reach out to us for further clarification. We couldn’t do this without your continued love and support, so thank you all on our mission to raise awareness and create this license plate.
How to get one?
In order for this plate to become a reality, we need 450 paid applications before it is presented to the Virginia General Assembly in January 2024.
To apply, please print and fill out the the application below. Once complete, please mail your application, along with a check payable to Matthew Matters:
Matthew Matters, PO Box 597 Ashland, VA 23005
This is a non-revenue plate (all funds collected will go to the DMV to process the plate and not to a charitable organization.) so the cost is:
$20 Transfer Existing Plate – up to 6 letters
$20 New Personalized Plate – up to 6 letters
$10 Standard Plate
If for any reason this plate does not come into being, all monies will be refund. If you have further questions, please email: VASuicidePrevPlate@gmail.com
about the plate
The plate was thoughtfully developed by Tina and Jacqui Herron and was brought to life by Ann Ford.
Teal and purple are the colors of suicide prevention and awareness, reminding us that it is ok to talk about mental health challenges. The semi-colon represents a continuation and not an end to your story. The” You Matter” was added because your story matters, your life matters, you are not a burden.
FAQ
Do I renew my registration if it is due this year?
Yes, This license plate is in the pre-production phase and pre-approval phase. If your registration is due for renewal please renew with DMV and once this plate has been approved and produced by DMV your current registration will transfer to the new plate
Do I have to wait until my registration is due to pre-order this plate?
No, These are pre-paid applications to show DMV that there is support in the community for this plate to be produced. You can submit your pre-paid application via mail or via online submission. Your application and payment will be held for presentation to the General Assembly in 2024 and then once approved will go to DMV for production
What happens if the 450 applications are not reached by the end of 2024?
Your money will be refunded to you directly or you will have the option for it be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
How can I help?
Spread the word on social media, share our web pages, share at work, and with friends, we also have flyers if you are interested in posting them and you can contact us directly for either pre-printed copies or a link to print copies at vasuicideprevplate@gmail.com
Our Story
In December 2021, a wonderful young man, from Ashland, VA, named Matthew Herron, died by suicide. He was 18. His light dimmed on that day, but his memory will never be extinguished.
During the Summer of 2022, his parents, Tina and Jacqui Herron, took on the mission of creating a Suicide Prevention & Awareness license plate. In the months since, they have worked to design the plate, they solicited Delegate Buddy Fowler to sponsor this plate at the State Assembly in January and have had many friends and family get out the word for this important issue.
You can follow their Matthew Matters Facebook page to learn more and find updates.
Need Support Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
* From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Support Suicide Prevention & Awareness 