Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Discussion with Clark Flatt and Neil Harrington highlighting necessary actions to reduce youth suicide and save lives!

Welcome to the 16th episode of The Way Forward – A Kindness Mission presented by Anthony’s Way – The Road to Kindness. In this episode, we’re joined by two powerful voices in children’s health and advocacy:

• Clark Flatt, Founder and President of The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI), a nonprofit he established in 1997 in memory of his son Jason. JFI has become a national leader in prevention education, training, and policy.
• Neil Harrington, Research Director for NC Child, a nonprofit think tank and advocacy group dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children across North Carolina.

The statistics regarding child and teen suicide are staggering and action needs to be taken now to prevent them from getting worse. The information in this episode can truly save lives. 

Clark and Neil bring unique perspectives, one from lived experience turned national advocacy, the other from research and policy development, both working toward the shared goal of creating safer, healthier futures for children.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The origin and mission of The Jason Foundation and how Jason’s story shaped national policy
• The Jason Flatt Act: adoption across states, challenges in North Carolina, and what’s next
• How teacher training helps identify and support students in crisis
• Key signs parents and caregivers should be aware of
• The role of schools, pediatricians, and providers in early detection and coordinated care
• Resources for families and schools that remain underutilized
• NC Child’s advocacy for stronger mental health infrastructure in schools
• Successes, setbacks, and opportunities for community members to push policies forward
• Broader initiatives NC Child is leading into 2025 and 2026

Clark and Neil offer both heartfelt stories and practical strategies for families, schools, and communities. Listeners will gain insights into prevention, advocacy, and the systems that can help protect children and teens.

Learn more about Anthony’s Way – The Road to Kindness:
https://www.anthonysroadtokindness.com/

Connect with our guests:

• The Jason Foundation:https://jasonfoundation.com/
• NC Child:https://ncchild.org/

Resources for Support:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
• Nationwide Children’s ADHD & Youth Suicide Resource: link

DISCLAIMER: This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified expert or provider with any questions you may have regarding a specific issue.

DISCLAIMER Anthony’s Way - The Road to Kindness does not endorse products, services, publications, medications, or treatments, including those advertised in any of our publications, webinars or podcasts.