Delivering Sources of Strength OMH Suicide Prevention Center of New York (SPCNY) RFP

Description: Funds available for the implementation of Sources of Strength, a suicide prevention program, in New York State high schools (grade 9-12). Sources of Strength is a nationally recognized upstream suicide prevention program that has been supported by OMH since 2010 and occupies an important place in the state’s broader effort to support resiliency and prevent suicide among youth. Sources of Strength is a universal school-based suicide prevention program designed to build protective influences across a defined adolescent population and reduce the likelihood that vulnerable youth die by suicide. The program trains students as peer leaders and connects them with mentoring adult advisors at school and in the community. Advisors support the peer leaders in conducting well-defined messaging activities that aim to change peer group norms influencing coping practices and problem solving. The program is strength-based and promotes critical protective factors that are linked to overall psychological wellness and reduced suicide risk.