Every community-led suicide prevention effort has its own origin story. Many were formed in the aftermath of a loved one’s death or to address a community trauma. Some that already exist want to have a bigger impact. But before any group can make a difference for people in their community, they must answer a simple question: where do we start?

As a suicide prevention project director, I often talk to people who want to make a difference but do not know how to begin. I have a lot of empathy for them. Building a suicide prevention program is a complex — and likely emotional — challenge.

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