The Solomon Page SP Cares April and May fundraiser supports the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS). This organization plays a vital role in providing essential resources, educational programs, and advocacy to raise awareness and help prevent teen suicide nationwide. As part of our commitment, we had the privilege of speaking with Dawn Doherty, Director of Development and Government Affairs to gain a deeper understanding of this incredible organization and the profound impact it has on communities nationwide.
Solomon Page:
SPTS has been dedicated to youth suicide prevention for 20 years. What do you see as the organization’s biggest impact over the past two decades?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
Over the past two decades, SPTS has made a profound impact in the field of youth suicide prevention, but one of its most significant achievements is reaching the milestone of training over 1 million educators through its flagship program, Making Educators Partners in Youth Suicide Prevention. Launched in 2008, this program was designed as a direct response to groundbreaking legislation passed in New Jersey in 2006, which mandated suicide prevention training for public school teachers—the first law of its kind in the nation. Not only was SPTS instrumental in advocating for this legislation, but it also developed an accessible, effective training solution that has since become a national model.
Solomon Page:
The Lifelines Trilogy is a key component of SPTS’s work. How has this program evolved over time to address the changing needs of students and educators?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
Since its initial publication in 2008, the Lifelines Trilogy has continuously evolved to reflect the changing landscape of youth suicide prevention. Key updates have ensured the curriculum remains relevant and inclusive, incorporating updated language and addressing emerging trends in the field. Recognizing the increasing demand for digital accessibility, Hazelden introduced a digital subscription version in 2021, making the curriculum more adaptable for schools and educators. While these enhancements have modernized the program, the core learning objectives remain steadfast—providing a comprehensive, whole-school approach to suicide prevention. Today, Lifelines remains one of the most highly regarded and widely implemented school-based prevention programs, equipping educators and students with the knowledge and skills to foster a culture of safety, awareness, and support.
Solomon Page:
SPTS works with educators, parents, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. How does collaboration between these groups enhance prevention efforts?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
SPTS firmly believes that building a strong, interconnected safety net around young people is essential to effective suicide prevention. By fostering collaboration among educators, parents, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, we empower those closest to youth with the knowledge and confidence to recognize these warning signs and ask direct and compassionate questions.
A holistic, community-wide approach enhances prevention efforts by ensuring that intervention happens well before a crisis point. The Adolescent Clinical Training for Suicide Prevention (ACTS) program increases clinicians’ confidence and competence in working with at-risk youth, ensuring more professionals are equipped to provide effective care.
Solomon Page:
What role does peer support play in suicide prevention, and how does SPTS empower young people to help their friends, while maintaining their own well-being?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
At SPTS, we embrace the mantra “Friends Help Friends” because we know that young people are often the first to recognize when a peer is struggling—whether through direct conversations, social media, or subtle changes in behavior. Research shows that teens are more likely to confide in a friend than in an adult when facing emotional distress, which is why equipping them with the right knowledge and resources is critical.
Our approach emphasizes that suicide prevention is never about carrying the weight of a friend’s struggles alone. Instead, we teach young people that true support means recognizing warning signs, starting a conversation, and, most importantly, seeking help from a trusted adult. Through the Be S-Well youth programs, hundreds of high school students each year receive training on how to respond when a friend is in crisis, while also learning how to protect their own well-being.
Solomon Page:
As societal trends and challenges evolve, how does SPTS stay current and adapt its programs to ensure they remain effective in addressing issues like stigma, social isolation, and the prevalence of technology?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
SPTS remains at the forefront of youth suicide prevention by continuously adapting to emerging societal trends and challenges. Our organization actively participates in key mental health working groups at the local (Monmouth County Suicide Prevention Task Force, Behavioral Health Hub), state (NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies), and national levels (American Association of Suicidology).
SPTS has a history of being proactive rather than reactive. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly developed and launched Navigating Back to School, an online training designed to support students and educators during an unprecedented time of uncertainty.
Solomon Page:
The Role of the Trusted Adult program emphasizes the importance of mentorship. What advice would you give to adults looking to support at-risk youth?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
The Role of the Trusted Adult program emphasizes that suicide prevention is not just the responsibility of parents and caregivers—it’s a community-wide effort. Young people often turn to teachers, coaches, neighbors, or other mentors when they’re struggling, which is why it’s essential to equip all adults in a young person’s life with the knowledge and confidence to offer support. One key takeaway from our training is the FACTS acronym, which highlights five major warning signs of suicide: Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being trapped, Actions such as withdrawing, reckless behavior, or giving away possessions, Changes in mood, personality, sleep, or eating habits, Threats—direct or indirect statements about wanting to die, Situations like major losses, bullying, or traumatic events.
Knowing where to turn for help is crucial. In New Jersey, youth can call or text the 2nd Floor Youth Helpline at 888-222-2228, while anyone nationwide can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via call or text.
Solomon Page:
In your experience, what are some of the biggest misconceptions about youth suicide that you encounter when working with schools and communities?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about youth suicide is the belief that “it could never happen to my family or my community.” This false sense of immunity is why our foundational parent resource is titled Not My Kid: What Every Parent Should Know About Youth Suicide Prevention (sptsusa.org/not-my-kid). The reality is that suicide does not discriminate—it affects individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or family dynamics. While certain risk factors can increase vulnerability, no one is completely immune.
Within schools, a common challenge is the assumption that suicide prevention is solely the responsibility of school counselors. While mental health professionals play a critical role, suicide prevention is most effective when it is a whole-school effort. Teachers, administrators, coaches, and staff all need training to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately.
Solomon Page:
What are some of the most effective ways SPTS has worked with policymakers to shape mental health and suicide prevention legislation?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
SPTS’s advocacy efforts have led to significant legislative successes, including making New Jersey the first state to require public school teachers to complete suicide prevention training. The organization collaborates with key policymakers and state agencies to prioritize suicide prevention. Dawn Doherty, SPTS Director of Development and Government Affairs, also serves on the Governor’s Council on Youth Suicide Prevention, reinforcing SPTS’s role in shaping policy.
Solomon Page:
Looking ahead, what initiatives or expansions is SPTS planning to further its mission?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
Over the past two decades, we have significantly broadened our reach—from initially focusing on parents and school staff to now serving a diverse audience, including students, trusted adults (such as coaches, faith-based leaders, and youth organization staff/volunteers), mental health professionals, and healthcare providers.
Looking ahead, SPTS recognizes the growing urgency of our mission, as the demand for youth mental health support continues to rise and the age of those struggling continues to decrease. We are committed to meeting this challenge by expanding partnerships, increasing accessibility to our training programs, and leveraging technology to reach more communities.
Solomon Page:
Are there any upcoming events or programs that individuals can participate in or support?
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
The SPTS Be S-well Youth Wellness Summit will be hosted in Monmouth County on Tuesday, May 13th at Brookdale Community College. This is a one-day program that is offered to all high schools, public and private. The day focuses on holistic wellness for staff and students in attendance. The day begins with a panel of young adults discussing resiliency; features workshops on suicide prevention and mindfulness for both staff and students; and concludes with a resource fair. Visit here to learn about the various events Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide will be hosting throughout the year.
Solomon Page would like to thank the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide for contributing to this article. We are honored to share the voices of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and other organizations within our community through our SP Cares Initiative. Looking to support the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide? Follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and check out the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide website to learn more.
