In 2018, General Convention passed resolution C014, which recognized that “clergy and adults who work with youth are often on the frontlines of suicide prevention” and resolved that “the institutions and diocesan programs that educate Priest and Deacons be encouraged to offer four (4) hours of suicide prevention education, using evidence-based trainings, for its students, and that dioceses offer similar suicide prevention training for their clergy and adults who work with youth.” In addition, the resolution continued, “that the General Convention urge local congregations to call on state and federal leaders to develop and implement strategies to increase access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services.” The resolution was assigned to for implementation to the Department of Faith Formation along with the budget line item of $75,000, which was allocated for the triennium.

In September 2019, leaders in the identified program areas were convened for a day-long “Summit” in Denver Colorado to begin the process of developing suicide education resources and trainings. As an immediate first step, several resources were identified as helpful and relevant. These are listed below, organized by categories created during the Summit:

Crisis Resources

• Crisis Text Line, 741741
• Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention, 303-692-2369
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-8255

Resources for High Risk Groups

• GLSEN
• Trevor Project
• The Reformation Project
• Lost n Found Youth
• Igniting the Warrior Spirit
• Four Corners Warrior Spirit Conference
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Sweet Grass Program

Faith Based Resources

• Episcopal Health Foundation
• Stephen Ministry Training
• Episcopal Church Foundation
• Confirm not Conform
• Mental Health Ministries
• Soul Shop
• Suicide Prevention Ministry
• Hope & Healing Center & Institute
  • VIDEO: Responding to Suicide: Practical Tips for Faith Leaders

Training & Advocacy Resources

• Peer Ministry Trainings
• Youth Minister Health First Aid book
• Safe Space Training
• Connect Program
• Living Compass
• Talk Saves Lives (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
• Living Works
• Thrive NYC
• Critical Incident Stress Management
• Bystander Intervention Training
• Trans 101 Training
• Episcopal Public Policy Network
• More Than Sad
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Other Resources

• Thistle Farms
• Integrity
• Alcoholic Anonymous/Al-Anon
• Epic Intentions
• Recovery Ministries
• First Nations Youth Suicide Prevention
• Time to Talk Liturgical Resources
• NBC Today Show mental health segment
• Brené Brown
• JED Foundation
• Half of Us
• Crisis Chat
• CDC suicide facts & figures

Related General Convention resolutions

• 2009-D011: Reaffirm the Principles with Regard to the Prolongation of Life
• 2000-A069: Authorize Additions to Supplemental Liturgical Materials
• 2000-D008: Adopt Diocesan Resolution on Suicide Prevention
• 1997-C013: Request Study of Theological Implications of End of Life Issues
• 1994-A056: Amend General Convention Principles on the Prolongation of Life