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The Crisis Systems Response Training and Technical Assistance Center (CSR-TTAC) is hosting a webinar to preview the next phase of 988 Formative Research on messaging to people disproportionately impacted by suicide.

Building on the inaugural 988 Formative Research study published in November 2023, this webinar will share findings from the second study, focused on the trusted messengers that people turn to for reliable, unbiased information and help when they’re struggling with their mental health or in crisis.

Marketers and communicators can use insights from this study to create messaging that builds the confidence and willingness of trusted messengers to encourage use of 988 among their loved ones and close connections.  

The webinar will take place on May 20 at 2 p.m. ET. Register today.

The MHTTC Network Coordinating Office is hosting a webinar to explore the intersection of suicide prevention infrastructure and community behavioral health services.

The presentation will feature SPRC’s Recommendations for State Suicide Prevention Infrastructure (Infrastructure Recommendations) and State and Territorial Suicide Prevention Needs Assessment (SNA). It will also offer a case study showing how suicide prevention infrastructure can reduce suicide rates.

The webinar will take place on May 22 from 12 to 1 p.m. ET. Register today.

The Trevor Project (Trevor) has released the 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, which highlights the experiences of more than 18,000 LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24. 

For the sixth year, this annual survey shows a significant association between experiencing anti-LGBTQ+ mistreatment and disproportionately high suicide risk, and that many young people struggle to access mental health care. The survey also shows data-driven ways we can all support LGBTQ+ youth as well as the potentially life-saving benefits of affirming spaces and communities.

To learn action-oriented strategies for supporting LGBTQIA2S+, check out our series of guides for professionals, families, and communities.

SPRC is excited to release our 2023 Tribal Suicide Prevention Needs Assessment. This technical report presents findings on the suicide prevention needs, challenges, strengths, infrastructure, and capacity of Tribes, Tribal Health Boards (Area Health Boards that serve as member organizations of the National Indian Health Board), and Tribal-focused health care organizations in the U.S. 

Learn more about the purpose of the needs assessment and check out our 2021 Tribal Suicide Prevention Needs Assessment for more insights. 

We’re excited to join our friends and colleagues at the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) annual conference next week. If you’re planning to attend in person, check out our trainings, presentations, and posters, and stop by our booth to say hi. To connect online, follow #AAS24 on social media and tag us in your posts. Click to learn how to connect with us. See you there!

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is seeking a manager to support operations for SPRC’s new Community Initiatives Team. Candidates should have experience in coalition-building, project management, and collaboration and may be based in Norman, Okla., or a remote home office.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) and Federal Action Plan (Action Plan). 

SPRC and our colleagues at the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) were proud to support the development of these key documents. Watch SPRC Executive Director Shelby Rowe at The White House launch.

The National Strategy is a bold new 10-year, whole-of-society approach that provides concrete recommendations for addressing gaps in the suicide prevention field. It incorporates advances in the field, and is designed to guide, motivate, and promote a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in communities across the country. 

The National Strategy focuses on the many factors associated with suicide, with the recognition that there is no single solution. It is accompanied by the first-ever Federal Action Plan, which identifies more than 200 actions across the federal government to be taken over the next three years in support of those goals. 

Carrying out a comprehensive approach relies on collaboration from public and private sector partners, people with lived experience, and people in populations disproportionately affected by suicide and suicide attempts. 

Resources for promoting the National Strategy and Federal Action Plan, including a fact sheet, suggested social media copy, and more, are available for your use at www.hhs.gov/nssp. Please join us in achieving meaningful, equitable, and measurable advancements in suicide prevention. 

We’re pleased to announce that our popular online course, Safety Planning for Youth Suicide Prevention, is now offering continuing education credits for physicians in addition to social workers!

This free, self-paced course is approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians for one continuing medical education (CME) hour and by the National Association of Social Workers for one continuing education (CE) hour.

Designed for health, behavioral health, and mental health clinicians and students in clinical training programs, this course will guide you in using the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention when working with young clients at risk of suicide. Sign up today!

Mental Health America (MHA) has released the 2024 Mental Health Month Toolkit to help everyone get started on raising mental health awareness in May. It includes DIY tools, social media assets, resources, templates, and printable handouts.