Sources of Strength

sources of strength is a international prevention program listed on samhsa's highest rated national registry of evidence-based programs and practices. sources of strength is a best practice youth suicide prevention project that utilizes the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, towards the outcome of ultimately preventing suicide, bullying and substance abuse. the program focuses on spreading hope, help and strength. and is designed to prevent suicide by increasing help seeking behaviors and connections between peers and caring adults. sources of strength takes a different approach in youth suicide prevention by moving beyond a singular focus on risk factors, toward building multiple sources of support around young individuals so that when times get hard they have multiple strengths (protective factors) to rely on. we are currently partnered in research with: - the university of rochester in the national peer leadership study; - the university of manitoba