When it comes to suicide prevention, we often think of the crucial role of crisis response.. But what happens when we focus our energy even earlier—building protective factors before someone reaches a point of crisis? That’s the heart of upstream suicide prevention, and it’s at the core of what makes Sources of Strength unique.
In a recent episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sat down with Scott LoMurray, CEO of Sources of Strength and one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Health, to talk about the power of culture change, peer leadership, and the growing evidence base behind the program. The conversation offers a deep dive into what sets Sources apart—and why the field is taking notice.
A New Chapter in Suicide Prevention
Two recent peer-reviewed studies, including a gold-standard randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, have shown that Sources of Strength is having a significant impact:
- Nearly 30% reduction in new suicide attempts
- Measurable decreases in suicide deaths
- Increased protective factors and connectedness
These outcomes weren’t the result of therapy or clinical interventions alone. They came from investing in culture: in relationships, resilience, and everyday strengths.
“We can’t prevent one of the leading causes of death without cultivating the leading causes of life.”
— Scott LoMurray
This episode of Hope Illuminated brings that philosophy to life—offering listeners a chance to understand how peer-led strategies, strength-based messaging, and social network theory are shifting the field toward sustainable, community-driven impact.
Why This Matters for Schools, Communities, and Systems
For anyone implementing or considering Sources of Strength, this conversation is a valuable resource. It gives a rich, accessible overview of how the program works, why it’s different, and what the research is showing.
Whether you’re:
- Exploring wellness or prevention programs for your school or organization
- Already implementing Sources of Strength and want to deepen your understanding
- Looking for language to explain the model to others
…this podcast is a great place to start.
Learn More and Tune In
We invite you to listen to the episode and hear firsthand how upstream strategies are changing the story of suicide prevention:
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Hope Illuminated: Hope Illuminated Podcast
🔗 Explore the Sources of Strength evidence base: Research and Evaluation
🌟 Read about Scott’s TIME100 Health recognition: TIME100 Feature
At Sources of Strength, we believe upstream prevention is not just possible—it’s powerful. And it starts with connection, conversation, and a shared vision for a well world.
We’re grateful to Dr. Sally for sharing this story, and to all of our partners who continue to lead the way.
Ready to bring Sources of Strength to your school or organization?