How to Get Started in Community Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention is most effective when community partners work together. Community members, schools, faith communities, local organizations, and local leaders all have a role to play in reducing suicide. 

Each community may take a different approach to suicide prevention based on their unique strengths and needs. Some prevention efforts are led by community organizations or schools, while others are coordinated through suicide prevention coalitions and partnerships that bring people together around a shared goal. 

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen existing efforts, the resources below can help. You’ll find practical tools, guidance, and support to plan and take action to prevent suicide in your community. 

Working together, we can all help build healthier, more connected communities.


Recommended Resources

K-12 Suicide Intervention Guide: Identifying Students at Risk and Responding to Crisis

This guide is designed to support schools in identifying and responding to students who are at risk for suicide or experiencing suicidal behaviors.

Creating Comprehensive Strategic Plans: A Guide for Suicide Prevention Coalitions

This guide lays out practical steps to help suicide prevention coalitions build, strengthen, or refine their comprehensive strategic planning process. Designed to be used by community coalitions in collaboration with state or territorial partners, the guide also includes a list of recommended resources and tools.

After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools, Second Edition

This toolkit is designed to assist schools in the aftermath of a suicide (or other death) in the school community.

Suicide Prevention Competencies for Faith Leaders: Supporting Life Before, During, and After a Suicidal Crisis

This resource provides faith leaders with the attitudes, approaches, and skills needed to prevent suicide and provide care and comfort for those affected by suicide.

Community-Led Suicide Prevention At-A-Glance

This at-a-glance sheet includes all seven elements, key areas, and steps in the Community-Led Suicide Prevention Toolkit (CLSP Toolkit). This sheet can be downloaded and printed to refer to as you plan your community’s suicide prevention work.

Community Toolbox: A Model for Getting Started

The Community Tool Box is a free, online resource for those working to build healthier communities and bring about social change. The mission is to promote community health and development by connecting people, ideas, and resources.

Moving Suicide Prevention Upstream: From Concept to Action

This resource offers practical guidance, messaging tips, and community-driven strategies for public health professionals, suicide prevention leaders, and others working to create safe, supportive environments where people can thrive.