Supporting Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Initiatives
About Us
At the Suicide Prevention and Depression Research Foundation (SPIDR), we are dedicated to preventing suicide through innovative and transformative programs, reducing stigma through public awareness and education, and driving impactful political advocacy.
SPIDR is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and operates under the nonprofit laws of the State of Ohio.
Started after of the loss of our beloved friend, Justin Wright, our work now spans international, national, state, and local levels, using a public health model for suicide prevention. We focus on disrupting the status quo in education, awareness, research, and advocacy, ensuring our efforts create meaningful change.
Our approach is guided by the principles outlined in the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Suicide (1999) and the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (2012). By leveraging these frameworks, SPIDR aims to lead the charge in building a future where suicide is preventable, stigma is eliminated, and mental health is prioritized for all.
Together, we can save lives.
Areas of Focus
- Support Groups – Family & Friends
- Schools – High Schools, Colleges, Youth Organizations
- Government – First Responders, Military, City/State/US Policies & Laws
- Clinical & Research – Health Systems, Mental Health Treatment Providers, Therapists, Scientists
The Challenges We Face
At the Suicide Prevention and Depression Research Foundation (SPIDR), we are tackling some of the most pressing issues in suicide prevention and mental health. These challenges require innovative solutions, bold action, and a commitment to disrupting the status quo.
Stigma
Suicide remains a taboo topic, and this silence fuels the problem. We must foster open conversations and break down the stigma surrounding suicide to create meaningful change.
Fragmentation
The mental health and suicide prevention landscape is plagued by fragmentation. Foundations and nonprofits often operate in silos, researchers fail to collaborate, and funding is inefficiently allocated. It’s time to reimagine and rebuild these systems from the ground up.
Legal Barriers
Privacy laws and other legal constraints hinder progress in key areas and institutions. Advocating for policy changes that balance individual rights with the need for intervention is essential.
Schools
Schools lack the tools, training, and resources to address the mental health crisis, even as the rate of suicide among children rises alarmingly. Equipping educators and institutions with proper support is critical to protecting our youth.
Children
Today’s children face unprecedented challenges. Exposed to more violence than any previous generation and lacking resilience-building tools, they are increasingly vulnerable. Building their mental health capacity is a priority.
Technology
While cell phones, the internet, and platforms like YouTube have exacerbated the problem, these same tools can be harnessed to create positive change. We must innovate to use technology as a force for good.
Clinical Recognition
Mental health issues are often not treated as legitimate clinical conditions. Recognizing and addressing these conditions with the same urgency as physical health is key to improving outcomes.
These challenges are complex, but they are not insurmountable. By working together, we can develop bold, effective strategies to address them head-on and create a brighter, safer future for all.
Get Involved
Join us in making a difference in the lives of those affected by suicide. Whether you choose to volunteer, fundraise, or spread awareness, your involvement is vital in helping us save lives and create a future where no one feels alone in their struggles.
Every action, big or small, makes an impact. Together, we can bring hope, raise awareness, and work toward a world free of suicide.
Be part of the change—get involved today.
Resources for Help
At the Suicide Prevention and Depression Research Foundation, we believe no one should face their struggles alone. That’s why we collaborate with a wide network of partners to provide a variety of resources for individuals and organizations.
Whether you’re looking for hotlines, counseling services, support groups, or other forms of assistance, we are here to help connect you to the support you need. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—help is always within reach.
Before I attempted to take my life at the Golden Gate Bridge, I had been self-harming, but I had not yet named my suicidal intention. If more resources had been available maybe my nascent suicidal thinking would have been identified sooner
-Kevin Hines, Survivor, Storyteller, Film maker
Copyright © 2025 Suicide Prevention and Depression Research Foundation - All Rights Reserved.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.