My wife, Terri, and I set up Robust Futures as a non-profit organization to improve mental and physical health and, importantly, to focus on the problem of suicide.  Some of you know that we lost our son, Alex, in 2021 and since then have been researching, listening, and learning.  We are looking for the levers and fulcrums that would allow us to move suicide in the way that Archimedes claimed he could move the world.  We’ve not yet found final answers, but we’ve found some things that can make a difference.  We’re doing those things, but we can do more with your help.

We’ve made some key advances.  First, we published SuicideMyths.org to provide a place where we can discuss the truth and look past the lies.  Here, we treat the topic of myths differently.  We expose the kernel of truth, and we provide direct links to research that contradicts the myth.  We openly invite a discussion about these myths and look for evidence that might indicate more than a kernel of truth.  This is important, because much of the harm we see is propagated by these myths getting repeated by well-meaning people.  We need to get everyone, from journalists to school counselors and beyond, to know the truth.  We’ve got coverage of nearly 30 myths today, and we’re always looking to increase the research supporting them and to find other myths that are harming people.

As part of our ongoing suicide prevention research, we’ll be publishing a review on suicide-related books every day during the week of Monday, March 24^th.  We do this every spring to raise awareness and bring more understanding to those lives are impacted by suicide.

We’re excited by a key intervention made at time of need that we believe will reduce suffering.  In the United States, bad news is often delivered by county sheriffs’ deputies performing civil process duties where they deliver court notices.  Divorce and eviction are just two of the disruptive life events that the deputies must deliver.  In our county in Indiana, they’re also delivering a one-page sheet of mental health resources with these court services to help people know that there are resources available for them.  While we’re waiting on the outcome data to help us understand the impact, we know this strategy of removing the “unknown” barrier is wildly successful in other areas of public health.

We’ve started the development of a gun cable lock installation sheet that is freely available.  Cable locks are generally available upon request, but the instructions that come with them are often difficult for people to understand, which contributes to the low utilization rate.  In the current version, there are clear instructions and QR codes that lead to videos of how to install the cable lock on various kinds of firearms.  Our future work is with partners to improve the videos and with graphics designers to provide more detailed, rendered versions of the firearms and clear labels to make it easier for those who don’t want to watch a video.  The link will continue to lead to updated versions of the guide as we have them.

We also committed to creating a community space at the next AAS Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio.  It’s just a room with round tables and conversations, but it can be a powerful space for encouraging, equipping, and connecting us in ways that lead to less suffering and suicide.  If you’re going to be at the event, please come look for the community room and come talk to us.  If you are local or semi-local to Columbus, Ohio, please come visit and hang out with us from April 1^st-April 3^rd at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in room A110.  You don’t have to have an AAS conference badge, and you don’t have to identify why suicide is a part of your experience.  Stay for a long or as little as you like.

This year, we’re working on a site that will give important pointers, tips, and information for those hearing the word suicide “for the first time.”  Whether a teacher overhears a peer considering suicide, a parent learns that their friend has lost a child to suicide, or any of the innumerable ways that suicide suddenly becomes important, we will share what they need most in a five-minute video.  Each video will end with an offer for more five-minute videos, each designed to answer the most common questions and concerns.  We’ve currently working on developing the scenarios and scripts.

It is so that we can continue and expand this work that we’re asking for you to do one of the following three things to help us reduce senseless suicide and suffering.

1. Forward this post along to other people that need to hear it with a short personal note about why you thought they’d want to see it. More than anything right now, we need visibility of the work that we’re doing so that it’s utilized.  The website and the cable lock instructions are always free for everyone’s use.
2. Consider how you might influence organizations to make a corporate donation to Robust Futures so we can continue the important work. We’re happy to work with organizations who might consider a donation of any amount.  Just help us connect with the right people.
3. If you feel so moved, you can contribute yourself to the work we’re doing, either via donation or by sending us a note about how you want to help.

Thank you.