Last week, Sources of Strength COO Jarrod Hindman joined leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the Upstream Suicide Prevention Working Group, a national effort convened by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. This in-person summit brought together policy experts, health advocates, and nonprofit leaders for a full day of collaboration and strategy focused on one shared goal: preventing suicide by addressing root causes before crises occur.
Jarrod attended on behalf of Sources of Strength, helping to define national priorities and contribute to a new upstream prevention toolkit set to launch this fall.
“There’s still work to do in building shared understanding of what ‘upstream’ really means,” said Hindman, “but there’s no doubt this group is committed to working upstream to enrich and save lives. I left the day feeling hopeful about the growing national momentum around prioritizing upstream prevention.”
Sources of Strength COO, Jarrod Hindman seated front right.
Elevating Strength-Based Prevention on the National Stage
As part of the group’s work, representatives from major organizations including:
- The Trevor Project
- Mental Health America
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Safe States Alliance
- Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
- National Collaborative for Transformative Youth Policy
- Education Development Center (EDC)
The taskforce, convened for 9 months, came together in person in the nation’s capitol to align efforts, share insights, and champion a strength-based approach to mental health promotion and suicide prevention..
Sources of Strength stood out as a key contributor, offering a model for upstream prevention that centers peer leadership, trusted adult connection, and protective factors.
Advocacy, Mentorship, and Momentum
While in D.C., Jarrod also met with elected officials to advocate for sustained investment in suicide prevention, including Sources of Strength’s evidence-based programs. And, in a moment of personal reflection, he shared lunch with longtime mentor Dr. Jerry Reed, a revered voice in the field.
Jarrod’s reflections on the trip echo the mission at the heart of Sources of Strength:
“It was a cup-filling few days. I was reminded how essential it is to bring our voices, stories, and expertise into the rooms where national strategies are being formed. Upstream prevention is not a side note—it’s a front-line defense for youth mental health and community wellness.”
Looking Ahead
As the national conversation continues to move upstream, Sources of Strength is proud to be part of the effort. From small group trainings in rural schools to shaping federal toolkits in the nation’s capital, we’re committed to building communities of strength, connection, and belonging.
Interested in learning more about upstream prevention or bringing Sources of Strength to your community?
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