This month, Sources of Strength had the honor of leading three powerful sessions at the American Association of Suicidology Conference in Columbus, Ohio, where thought leaders, practitioners, and researchers gathered to advance suicide prevention efforts nationwide.

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Peer leadership and meaningful connections can save lives. According to a new study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine , Sources of Strength's (Sources) prevention model helps reduce suicide attempts among high school students by an astonishing 29%.Peer Leader Training Sources of Strength WheelConducted in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the University of Rochester and the University of North Carolina, the study is especially important in the face of steadily rising suicide attempts and fatality rates among adolescents and young adults."Young people have a tremendous power to create positive transformation in their schools and communities," said Scott LoMurray, CEO of Sources of Strength. "When students and caring adults partner together and are empowered to create protective communities of connection, belonging and wellbeing, they are not only preventing crises but are actively cultivating the conditions of a well world. This study is a pivotal moment for youth mental health and suicide prevention. The evidence shows that upstream, strength-based prevention programs like Sources of Strength work and can save lives."For nearly 30 years, Sources has been committed to empowering youth and adults to build resilience, foster meaningful connections, prevent suicide and promote mental well-being