Featured Speakers: Bart Andrews, Behavioral Health Response, and Katie Epema, DESE
Topic: Suicide Prevention in Schools
MSPN hosted its third quarterly Community Conversations About Suicide Prevention meeting on July 18, 2025, with a focus on suicide prevention in schools. This conversation tied directly to three key priorities in the Missouri Suicide Prevention Plan: raising awareness, supporting community-led efforts, and helping schools and youth-serving organizations build effective suicide prevention programs.
Highlights Include:
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Updates from MSPN, including a successful 2025 Missouri Suicide Prevention Conference (July 17) and a save-the-date for next year’s conference on July 9, 2026.
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Information on recent changes to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, including the retirement of the “Press 3” option and assurance that Missouri’s crisis centers remain fully connected and responsive to all communities.
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Opportunities for coalition members to provide feedback through ongoing Community Coalition Support Committee listening sessions.
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Registration opening for the first Race Against Suicide 5K, scheduled for September 27, 2025, in Jefferson City.
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A presentation from Bart Andrews (Behavioral Health Response) and Katie Epema (DESE), co-chairs of the Suicide Prevention in Schools Committee, highlighting current initiatives to strengthen school-based prevention efforts.
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Breakout discussions where participants shared local experiences, challenges, and resource needs related to engaging schools in suicide prevention.
Helpful Links & Resources:
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Mental Health First Aid Missouri: DESE – MHFA Missouri
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MSPN Resources: TRAININGS | MOSPN
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Behavioral Health Liaison directory: Missouri Behavioral Health Council | Crisis Resources
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​Legislative requirements for schools: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 170.048
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DESE Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Model Policy: DESE Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Model Policy | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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Community Coalition Listening Sessions – Contact Margo Leitschuh - leitschuhm@missouri.edu
The meeting emphasized collaboration, resource sharing, and practical strategies for supporting Missouri schools. The next Community Conversation will be held on October 17, 2025, focused on suicide postvention.