NNews January 2025

11 January 2025 N early 20 years ago, two fathers who tragically lost their children to suicide founded the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) as a small nonprofit. Since then, SPTS has grown into a nationally recognized organization, offering a vast array of resources and programs to educators, parents and youth. SPTS played a key role in making suicide prevention training mandatory for teachers in the state. The organization also developed a free online program to equip educators with best practices and advocates for the Lifelines Trilogy, a comprehensive, evidence-based suicide prevention program for schools. SPTS offers a variety of presentations on crucial topics, such as building partnerships between educators and youth agencies for suicide prevention, raising resilient youth, the role of trusted adults, and healing after a loss. For parents, SPTS created the informative video, Not My Kid: What “ The more we can talk about our mental health without stigma and shame, the more we can change the trajectory of the mental health crisis that youth are in. ” Susan Tellone, RN, BSN, MSN, CSN Former Clinical Director Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide Every Parent Should Know , to raise awareness about teen suicide. The group also developed a behavioral health toolkit, available in 14 languages and with state-specific resources for New Jersey residents. This toolkit is valuable not only for parents, but also for school staff and healthcare providers. Understanding the importance of support during crisis, SPTS created a mental health crisis toolkit specifically designed for families experiencing situations with their children in emergency departments. This toolkit equips hospital professionals with resources to provide helpful information to families during stressful times. “We will train and educate anyone who will listen,” said SPTS’ former Clinical Director Susan Tellone, RN, BSN, MSN, CSN. Tellone, who also serves on the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma, emphasized, “We understand that knowledge can save lives.” Reflecting this commitment, SPTS offers Adolescent Clinical Training for hospital staff, nurses, doctors, pediatricians and dentists. SPTS also provides resources, including Raising Resilient Teens in Challenging Times and The Role of the Trusted Adult , for individuals who work with and care for young people. (continued on page 12) The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide: Empowering Youths and Communities