American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Talk Saves Lives

How to access this program?

Visit https://afsp.org/talk-saves-lives/ to review available training options.

What is the program? 

Talk Saves Lives is AFSP’s standardized, 45-60 minute education program that provides participants with a clear understanding of suicide risks, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe. The standard Talk Saves Lives presentation is also available in Spanish. 

Topics covered include: 

• Scope of the Problem: The latest data on suicide in the U.S. and worldwide 
• Research: Information from research on what causes people to consider suicide, as well as health, historical, and environmental factors that put individuals at risk 
• Prevention: An understanding of the protective factors that lower suicide risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care 
• What You Can Do: Guidance on warning signs and behaviors to look for, and how to get help for someone in a suicidal crisis 

Who is the program for? 

The Talk Saves Lives trainings are intended for entire communities. (I.e. families, students, teachers, community members, etc.) 

How is this program implemented? 

Live training sessions are available for groups to participate in. There are also online modules available that presents similar information as the live training sessions.  

What is the practice that is supported? 

A gatekeeper is someone who can recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. Gatekeeper training teaches people to identify individuals who are showing warning signs of suicide risks and help these individuals get the mental health services they need. Gatekeeper training improves the skills, confidence, and willingness to help those in distress. Gatekeeper trainings are for public health information purposes and are not intended to take the place of assessments, screening, diagnoses, or treatment of any mental health issues.   

What outcomes does the program produce? 

• Increase in awareness of suicide warning signs 
• Increase in awareness of resources for help related to suicide risk 
• Increase in student referrals for suicide concern 
• Improve skills, knowledge, and attitudes for suicide prevention 

What is the evidence? 

Condron, Susan. (2015) Identifying and Referring Youths at Risk for Suicide Following Participation in School‐Based Gatekeeper Training—Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior—Wiley Online Library. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sltb.12142 

Using survey data of over 136,000 individuals (teachers, service providers, parents/caregivers) collected from school-based gatekeeper trainings, this study examined the effectiveness of the trainings to increase knowledge and skills to identify youths at risk of suicide. The results showed that while the knowledge of those in gatekeeper trainings increased, the number of referrals of at-risks youth depended on length of training and time spent with the youth. Additionally, between half and two-thirds of youth identified by trainees were receiving services at the 3 month follow up of training.  

Reis, C., & Cornell, D. (2008). An Evaluation of Suicide Gatekeeper Training for School Counselors and Teachers. Professional School Counseling, 11(6), 2156759X0801100605. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X0801100605 

In this study, researchers evaluated the impact of gatekeeper trainings on suicide knowledge and prevention practices among teachers and counselors. Survey results were compared between a group that received gatekeeper training and a control group not receiving training. Results showed that difference in the number of student referrals made between teachers and counselors was smaller in the trainee group than the control group. This study also showed that school staff attending gatekeeper training reported more knowledge of suicide risks factors. 

What are the costs associated with implementing this program? 

Please contact the program for the most recent costs and commitments, as these may change. 

Contact your local AFSP chapter for more information and trainings near you.  

What resources are helpful for understanding this program? 

• Talk Saves Lives website: https://afsp.org/talk-saves-lives 
• Find a local AFSP chapter: https://afsp.org/find-a-local-chapter/ 

Any training or interventions from this repository should be used in accordance with established staff development standards and adopted professional development policies of the Local Education Agency (LEA) per §21.451 and §21.4515 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) and the LEA’s suicide prevention policies and procedures pursuant to §38.351. While this training satisfies the statutory training requirements of §21.451(d)(3)(A), §21.451 (d-1)(1), §21.451 (d-2) and §38.351, it is best practice for staff to receive ongoing training which may include job embedded professional development, coaching opportunities and annual training. 

Rating: Research-Informed 

Secondary components: Grief and Trauma- Informed practices; Early Mental Health Prevention and Intervention; Positive, Safe, and Supportive School Climates