Connecting for a Safer Missouri: Highlights from the 2025 Missouri Community Suicide Prevention Network Gathering
Only July 16, suicide prevention practitioners from across Missouri came together in Columbia for the second annual Community Suicide Prevention Network Gathering, which featured an afternoon of connection, shared learning, and community-rooted conversation.
The event brought together people working in many roles, across different regions of the state, all focused on a shared goal: preventing suicide and supporting healing in Missouri communities.
Throughout the day, participants reflected on what’s working in their communities, the challenges they’re navigating, and the deeper values shaping their approach to this work.
What the Gathering Looked Like
After welcoming remarks from Jessi LaRose with Missouri Foundation for Health, participants rotated through a series of conversation stations, responding to prompts in small groups and capturing reflections on cards. These prompts were designed to surface personal insights, shared strategies, and opportunities for connection. Everyone’s reflections were posted on boards around the room, creating a shared gallery of lived experience and collective wisdom.
Conversation prompts included:
What community-based suicide prevention means to me
One strategy that’s strengthening suicide prevention in my community
One challenge I am navigating right now
Something that helps me stay grounded or hopeful in this work
Something I would love to see our field collaborate on
What Emerged from the Conversations
Across dozens of responses, a few themes rose to the surface:
Emphasis on culturally responsive approaches that reflect the realities of each community
Calls for more consistent postvention support, including peer-led grief groups and coordinated response
Reflections on the emotional toll of this work and how peer-to-peer connection can reduce isolation
Commitment to meeting people where they are, and not attempting to speak for them
Ideas and questions for addressing suicide with younger audiences
Shared commitment on centering community voice and maintaining momentum
During the final portion of the gathering, participants shared out reflections on key insights from their group discussions, including:
Widespread recognition of the urgent need for postvention resources and support groups across Missouri communities
Collaborating across programs and sectors to equip communities with tangible tools and strategies
Faith-based groups being a resource for suicide prevention outreach and support, and their potential for shifting community narratives around suicide prevention
Challenges around funding, sustaining community engagement and buy-in, and connecting to youth and schools
Explore & Connect
Curious to see more of what participants shared?
Read all recorded responses to the conversation prompts.
Want to participate in a future gathering?
Let us know by sending an email to meghan@openfields.com