Success Stories: CSP

Expanding training in Arkansas

The Arkansas Suicide Prevention Program supported and coordinated multiple suicide prevention trainings. These trainings equipped rural communities with practical skills to identify suicide risk and respond appropriately.

Training opportunities included:

• Clinical training for healthcare professionals focused on assessing and managing suicide risk
• Community-based gatekeeper training teaches participants to identify individuals who may be at risk for suicide and to intervene
• Specialized suicide prevention for Scouting America participants

Arkansas learned that offering multiple types of training increases awareness across audiences. Community members, healthcare professionals, and youth-serving organizations benefit from trainings tailored to their roles and settings. Providing regular suicide prevention training over time helped participants identify individuals who may be at risk earlier.

Embedding suicide prevention education within existing healthcare, community, and service settings helps ensure effective coordination with statewide suicide prevention priorities.

Safety plans saving lives in Texas

Many individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts face barriers to accessing care when they need it most. In Bexar County, Texas, University Health's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention blueprint for Adults and Youth (CoSPLAY) implemented suicide safety planning. A safety plan is a written list of coping strategies and support networks to use before or during a suicidal crisis.

CoSPLAY developed safety plans for 437 people and connected over 150 of them to treatment and services. Regular follow-ups built trust with individuals who were initially hesitant to seek care. Over 60% of participants reduced their risk levels, moving from distress back to a place of safety and calm.

Parent feedback highlights that youth are becoming more active in school and social events. Additionally, parents felt a sense of relief regarding their children's safety. By combining safety planning with active follow-up, the program strengthened connections to care and supported individuals in accessing services.

California lock boxes aid prevention

In California, suicide was the fifth leading cause of death in 2024 for residents ages 10-65. While 57% of Californians who own weapons report practicing secure storage, there are still opportunities to increase adoption of safe and secure storage practices.

California supplied DOJ-approved lock boxes and secure storage materials in 13 counties. Between 2022 and 2025, they distributed over 14,000 lock boxes and secure storage educational materials.

Between 2019 and 2023, suicide rates for the 13 counties decreased by 9%. These results demonstrate that distributing lockboxes paired with strong local level partnerships can contribute to measurable reductions in suicide rates.

A decade of prevention in Colorado

Since 2014, the Colorado-National Collaborative (CNC) has convened scientists, public health, government, business, and residents to prevent suicide.

In six counties, CNC teams delivered community helper training tailored to high-risk groups, including:

• Construction and mineral extraction workers
• Older adults
• Faith communities
• Rural residents
• Youth

CNC adopted a train the trainer model, enabling participants to deliver programs including Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Mental Health First Aid, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. Between September 2022 and December 2025, CNC supported 520 trainings reaching 9,700 people. By 2024, the combined suicide rate across these six counties dropped to its lowest point in a decade—a 9% decrease.

Community food bank staff used QPR to provide economic stability support and build connections with their clients to reduce suicide risk and save lives. CNC is not only offering training but also building connections to provide upstream comprehensive suicide prevention.

Opening doors in Connecticut

Although suicide death rates remained stable between 2024 and 2025, rates of suicidal ideation continue to increase in Connecticut. Connecticut recognized that early identification and intervention can prevent suicidal thoughts from progressing to attempts. The East Shore District Health Department partnered with Branford Public Schools to expand access to Question, Persuade, Refer Gatekeeper Training.

In collaboration with administrators, the district established a training model that supports both staff and students. The first training taught approximately 25 staff members to:

• Recognize warning signs of suicide
• Engage in supportive conversations
• Connect individuals to resources

Building long-lasting partnerships with schools requires persistence, flexibility, and ongoing relationship-building. Integrating suicide prevention training into existing professional development opportunities and student programming helps create opportunities for impact.

From farm to tablet in Florida

Florida is home to the third-largest veteran population in the nation. Nearly 15% of U.S. farms include a veteran. Suicide rates among farmers and veterans are each 3.5x higher than the general population—placing veteran farmers at heightened risk for dying by suicide.

Florida partnered with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and Mind Your Melon, an online farmer mental health resource. Together they conducted a survey examining mental health among 700 farmers. Over two-thirds reported feeling sad or depressed and almost 1 in 10 experienced suicidal thoughts. Farmers cited weather, financial insecurity, and a lack of public understanding of agriculture as top stressors.

In response, Florida launched an initiative to strengthen support systems for veteran farmers. They integrated mental health awareness into agricultural programming with tools to recognize stress and connect veterans to services. Florida helped build a more responsive system—reducing isolation, increasing access to resources, and advancing resilience.

Hospital prevention in Georgia

Georgia lacked an organized approach to healthcare-based suicide prevention. Georgia's program identified this gap and the need to train clinicians in counseling approaches, particularly for high-risk groups.

Georgia partnered with CALM America and established key partnerships with two major health systems, which together serve more than 1 in 5 Georgians. Together, they introduced Emergency Department Counseling on Access to Lethal Means across Georgia. This approach trains clinicians and hospital staff to talk with patients about reducing access to lethal means during a crisis.

This initiative filled a critical gap in Georgia's suicide prevention system, strengthening ties between public health and healthcare organizations. These lasting changes have the potential to prevent future suicide attempts and save lives. In 2026, the Georgia team aims to expand training from two hospital systems to three.

Illinois invests in protective factors

Illinois supported two community-based initiatives in 2025 that strengthened resilience among youth and expanded access to mental health supports.

Box United's Fight Like a Girl summer camp addressed suicide risk among adolescent girls. The camp created a supportive environment that combined non-contact boxing, mentorship, and mental health education.

The program incorporated these elements of the Youth Awareness of Mental Health model to help participants:

• Recognize warning signs
• Practice coping strategies
• Understand how to seek help

Fifty girls completed the camp, with 75% gaining new stress-management tools and 85% learning how to seek help for suicidal thoughts.

The Northwestern University Settlement House Family CARES Program expanded bilingual mental health services for youth and families affected by substance use. Two family CARES camps provided mentoring, therapy, and skill-building, as well as grief and loss programming led by licensed therapists. Caregiver sessions helped prepare families support youth experiencing substance use.

Building bridges in Louisiana

Louisiana has high rates of firearm ownership and firearm suicide, especially among veterans and youth. Mental health providers and firearm retailers often have limited opportunities to work together. This makes it harder to reach firearm owners with trusted suicide prevention messages and secure storage information.

Louisiana launched an effort to bring these groups together. The program trained 35 mental health professionals on firearm culture and how to have conversations about firearm safety with patients. Four firearm retailers partnered to display suicide prevention and secure storage materials. Retailers also trained 27 retail staff to discuss these resources with customers.

This project helped build relationships between mental health professionals and the firearm industry, improved professional practices, and expanded access to suicide prevention messaging. Louisiana created a stronger, scalable, community-based approach to reducing suicide risk among veterans and youth.

Media campaigns in Maine

In Maine, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for youth and working-age adults. Maine Centers for Disease Control launched two statewide media campaigns. They designed "Filter Out the Noise" for youth, while "Here to Help Maine" focused on adults.

The team worked with a media partner to develop messaging and tailored ads to groups at higher risk for suicide, including:

• Rural adults
• Agricultural workers
• Healthcare workers
• Construction workers
• Youth

Both campaigns shared mental health tips, encouraged help-seeking, and connected people to support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

From April-November 2025, "Filter Out the Noise" generated over 20.4 million impressions, 128,624 ad clicks, and 12,824 clicks to call, text, or chat with 988. From February-November 2025, "Here to Help Maine" generated over 16.9 million impressions, 69,289 website visits, and 4,447 clicks to 988. By making mental health support more visible, Maine CDC strengthened the state's approach to suicide prevention.

Using real-time data in Michigan

Michigan communities often lack timely, local data to identify emerging suicide trends and respond effectively. Prevention programs struggled to focus resources where needed most or adapt strategies to evolving community needs.

To address this challenge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services developed and launched the Nonfatal Suicide Dashboard. The dashboard provides access to near real-time emergency department data on suicide attempts and ideation across the state. The tool allows communities to quickly identify trends, monitor groups at risk, and understand areas experiencing increased need.

The dashboard changed planning and implementation of suicide prevention efforts across Michigan. Partners are using the data to prioritize resources, target interventions, and assess whether prevention activities are reaching priority populations. By making timely data available, Michigan has strengthened data-driven decision-making and improved the ability to respond quickly to emerging concerns.

Nebraska turns data into action

Effective suicide prevention depends on timely and accurate data.  In Nebraska, leaders needed more accessible and timely information to identify emerging trends, guide prevention planning and support rapid decision-making.

Nebraska launched a public Suicide Data Dashboard and developed a Syndromic Surveillance Monitoring System. The dashboard provides user-friendly, publicly accessible visualizations that allow local leaders, behavioral health authorities, health departments, and community coalitions to monitor suicide trends and better target prevention efforts. The Syndromic Surveillance Monitoring System complements these efforts by analyzing near real-time emergency department data to identify increases in suicide-related behaviors.

Currently, 27 partners actively use these data, including:

•  All 19 of Nebraska's local public health departments
• The state's six behavioral health regions
• The Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition
• The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nebraska has strengthened ability to identify emerging trends, coordinate responses, and support data-driven decision making that protect communities across the state.

Reaching working-aged men in New York

Working-aged men carry high suicide risk in New York. In 2025, New York brought together partners to support working-aged men's mental health. ManTherapy uses a relatable, humorous tone online to reduce stigma. The second partner, a Northwestern University group, developed behavioral interventions to be completed in 20 minutes or less.

Together, they adapted three interventions and launched a marketing campaign. They delivered over 25,000 social media, radio, and podcast ads. Over 1,000 people clicked on the ManTherapy page—about 5 out of every 100. Radio ads expanded reach, playing 773,868 times in 8 weeks.

Website visits were 20 times higher than the previous year. Nearly a third who accessed one intervention titled "Turn Overwhelm into Control "completed it, with 75% agreeing that it was enjoyable. When messages appear in accessible places and offer a low-pressure way to engage, men can take the first step in seeking support.

North Carolina empowers faith leaders

Faith leaders are trusted community members who are well positioned to respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. However, many faith leaders, particularly in rural communities, have limited opportunities to receive suicide prevention training.

To address this gap, North Carolina launched Faith Leaders for Life, a suicide prevention training program. Participants complete seven hours of online learning and meet weekly in facilitated discussion groups to build connections with peers. Since its launch, the program has trained more than 165 faith leaders representing 54% of North Carolina counties.

In one group, faith leaders from neighboring counties independently decided to work together to expand suicide prevention efforts in their communities. In response, North Carolina connected them with additional partners. This created new opportunities for coordinated prevention activities. These relationships are creating a stronger foundation for community-based suicide prevention efforts statewide.

North Dakota's STARS for schools

In North Dakota, suicide is the third-leading cause of death among teens aged 15–19. In 2023, 15 teens died by suicide and 304 suicide attempts required hospitalization. North Dakota partnered to develop STARS (Suicide Prevention Training and Readiness for Schools). STARS is a free, flexible program designed to help schools build sustainable suicide prevention systems.

STARS provides leadership workshops to:

• Establish school policies and procedures
• Train staff to recognize warning signs and connect students to support
• Conduct specialized training for behavioral health professionals on screening, intervention, referral, and follow-up

Since September 2025, STARS has helped 20 school leaders formalize suicide prevention policies. STARS also strengthened screening and response for 35 school mental health professionals. Additionally, they trained 795 staff to identify warning signs. Over 90% of participants reported increased confidence in recognizing and responding to students at risk. Over half reported they had applied the training at work.

Ohio Scales Suicide Fatality Reviews

Although Ohio formalized suicide and overdose fatality reviews in 2021, only 10 of Ohio's 88 counties were conducting reviews. Many local partners wanted to begin reviews but lacked formal guidance.

In 2025, Ohio brought partners together to formalize fatality reviews and build consensus. Over 30 partners collaborated to build the Ohio Suicide Fatality Review Manual. This manual is now available statewide. Following adoption, suicide fatality review reports rose to 30 partners, with four more counties actively launching new review committees.

Ohio fielded 32 requests for technical assistance, guiding counties through next steps. A Community of Practice gave counties a place to learn from each other, drawing more than 100 attendees each meeting. What began as a patchwork of hesitant, isolated efforts is becoming a connected statewide system. This system helps counties share lessons learned and turn data into action to save lives.

Oregon's medical board partnerships

In Oregon, more than half of the state's suicide deaths involve firearms. Rural communities, veterans and older adults face the highest rates. Oregon partnered with five medical licensing boards to promote suicide prevention training through their fall 2025 member newsletters. These messages reached 175,748 licensed healthcare professionals statewide.

The outreach promoted the "Addressing Firearm Safety with Patients at Risk of Suicide" training. This free course helps providers have conversations about firearm safety with patients. Training completions increased substantially, with participation shifting toward rural practitioners serving populations at elevated risk for firearm-related suicide.

Pittsburgh expands lethal means safety

Reaching veterans and communities across Northwest Pennsylvania's large geographic area has long been a challenge. To close that gap, the Northwest PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program strengthened coordination across existing prevention efforts and community partners.

Between July 2025 and January 2026, the program embedded gun lock distribution into first responder trainings. They also paired secure storage messaging with education on naloxone use and treatment referral. Gun lock distribution also expanded through crisis and clinical settings, suicide prevention coalitions, municipal partners, and community events. A standout addition came when independent artists had an idea: install artistic gun locks on bridges as a public awareness campaign. The team supplied over 200 locks and messaging support, aiming to spark conversations.

In seven months, the program distributed 1,747 gun locks, bringing the two-year total to 5,958. The results show how coordination and creative partnerships can rapidly scale prevention efforts.

Reaching Men 50+ in Puerto Rico

From 2022 to April 2026, adults over 50 represented the largest proportion of suicide deaths in Puerto Rico. To better reach men over 50, Puerto Rico developed a curriculum on understanding and managing emotions. This curriculum aims to provide a supportive environment for male participants to strengthen problem-solving skills and promote resilience.

Two licensed psychologists facilitated six weekly sessions. Puerto Rico conducted a pilot at Aibonito Older Adult Day Center, with a second at the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Participants reported increased knowledge of warning signs, greater willingness to express emotions, and improved understanding of how to support others:

• "I hide my feelings. I understand I need to be more real with my friends and coworkers."

• "I realize I sometimes minimize what others are going through. I need to be more accessible."
• "If someone is ever at risk, this program helps you understand it better."

Rhode Island builds CALM confidence

Firearms are the second most common method used in suicide deaths among Rhode Island men. Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) equips healthcare professionals to help patients reduce access to lethal means during moments of crisis. Rhode Island delivered CALM training for clinicians within the Care New England healthcare system. This system is home to Rhode Island's only adult psychiatric and substance use hospital.

The in-person training courses reached 89 healthcare professionals. Nearly all participants (98.3%) felt more comfortable talking with patients about reducing access to lethal means. One participant shared they felt "much more prepared to handle these situations."

One clinician later encouraged a struggling individual who was resistant to secure firearms to place a family member's picture nearby. This reminder of love before making a dangerous choice was a strategy learned in the training.

Tennessee's ESSENCE of prevention

Tennessee recognized their Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) was underutilized because communities were unaware of the system. The system provides near-real-time emergency department data on intentional self-harm and suicidal ideation.

To address this gap in awareness and utilization, Tennessee developed an ESSENCE informational video explaining:

• How ESSENCE tracks suicide related behaviors
• How alerts are generated
• How partners can sign up to stay informed

Tennessee paired the video with an updated ESSENCE infographic and Rapid Response Plan, offering guidance for partners after an alert.

The video generated over 1,200 impressions, 60 infographic downloads, and 51 visits to the Rapid Response Plan. Subscriptions rose from 618 to 761, with over 100 new subscribers added in September 2025. This expanded the number of partners equipped to mount timely, data-driven responses to emerging suicide clusters, thereby saving lives.

Building safer transitions in Vermont

Individuals experiencing suicide risk often face fragmented care when transitioning back into the community after hospitalization. In rural regions, limited behavioral health capacity, geographic barriers, and disconnected systems can increase the risk of missed opportunities for support.

Four local organizations and health systems strengthened partnerships to improve suicide care transitions from the emergency department to community-based supports. Partners collaborated to:

• Integrate safety plans into electronic medical records
• Standardize workflows to coordinate care
• Implement a "warm handoff" to connect patients to community providers after discharge

This work aligned clinical care with behavioral health services, community health workers, and peer support to ensure continuity of patient care.

The percentage of safety plans completed increased over 12% from when plans were completed on paper. By partnering to implement these changes, partners created a more connected system of care in rural Vermont.

Wisconsin's rural focus

In rural Wisconsin counties, more than half of suicide deaths involve firearms. However, many providers have limited tools to support conversations about lethal means.

To address this challenge, Aspirus Health (Aspirus), a rural-serving healthcare system, implemented Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM). CALM is an evidence-based intervention that helps providers discuss safe firearm and medication storage with patients at risk of suicide. Aspirus also updated its electronic medical record system to support safety planning.

These efforts strengthened suicide prevention capacity across Wisconsin's rural health system. Aspirus increased the number of locations with CALM-trained providers from zero to 45 sites across 14 Wisconsin counties and trained 130 providers. Following training, 91% of providers reported increased confidence in having effective conversations about lethal means access. Together, these changes embedded evidence-based prevention into routine care across a large rural network.