In late October 2025, Houston hosted a pivotal gathering focused on one of the most urgent issues facing young people today: suicide prevention. The Pele Chandler Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium brought together community health workers, researchers, youth, parents, and healthcare professionals for three days of crucial dialogue and collaboration. This impactful event, hosted by Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, in partnership with the Houston Area Suicide Prevention Coalition (HASPC) and the Violence and Injury Prevention Research Center, featured a series of five interconnected events. At the heart of this gathering was Brandon J. Johnson, a national leader in suicide prevention and the founder of The Black Mental Wellness Lounge.
Healing in the Trenches: Community Health Workers Take the Lead
The symposium commenced with a “Lunch and Learn” tailored for community health workers (CHWs). Johnson, who started his career as a CHW, emphasized their unique role in communities: they are not external agents but integral members of their neighborhoods. He encouraged attendees to embrace their personal journeys, viewing themselves as both helpers and leaders in the effort to address mental health. This session reaffirmed a powerful reality: healing begins with connection, and CHWs are fundamental to fostering that connection.
What if Youth Showed Us the Way?: Photovoice Showcase on Youth Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
One of the most poignant moments of the symposium was the Photovoice showcase in which 22 youth and young adults utilized photography to narrate their experiences with mental health and suicide prevention. Their works conveyed themes of gratitude and resilience, but also isolation and overwhelm. The showcase served as a vital reminder that prevention involves not just talking to youth, but truly listening to them.
Researcher Roundtable: Bridging Gaps in Knowledge
Another critical component of the symposium involved a roundtable with 21 researchers and community partners who reviewed suicide prevention research and identified significant gaps in data collection, school reporting, and survivor perspectives. Participants advocated for a broader approach to suicide prevention research, emphasizing community-based studies, protective-factor assessments, and systemic interventions. They highlighted the need to shift focus from why youth die to understanding what keeps them alive. Despite advancements, the dialogue pointed out that research often remains risk-averse, underscoring the necessity for bold innovation and collaboration.
Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium: Community in Action
The centerpiece event saw over 70 participants, including youth, parents, educators, and professionals. Johnson’s keynote address, “Youth Voice, Youth Power, Youth Change,” set an empowering tone, stressing that solutions must originate from those most affected by this crisis. Data illustrated the urgency of the situation: in Harris County alone, approximately 30 young lives are lost to suicide each year. According to surveys, 20% of youth have seriously considered suicide and 40% report persistent feelings of sadness.
- Reduce barriers to mental health resources.
- Expand school-based mental health services.
- Support parents with training and resources.
- Create safe spaces and peer-led programs.
- Normalize conversations about mental health in pediatric care.
Grand Rounds: Beyond Screening and Assessment
The symposium culminated in Texas Children’s Hospital’s Grand Rounds, where Johnson delivered the presentation “Collaborative Care to Prevent Youth Suicide: Beyond Screening.” He called for a move away from mere checklists toward establishing care pathways and fostering community partnerships. Johnson stressed the importance of enhanced safety planning, continuous support contacts, educator training, and incorporating youth input into prevention strategies. His key message resonated: young people crave authentic support and opportunities for creative expression, not superficial gestures.
Policy Implications: Turning Insights into Action
The discussions and recommendations that emerged from the symposium pointed to essential policy opportunities at local, state, and national levels. To turn insights into systemic change, policymakers should consider:
- Investing in Community Health Workers: CHWs act as trusted connectors who bridge gaps between families and systems. Funding policies should prioritize CHW training and integration into mental healthcare teams, bolstering prevention efforts within underserved communities.
- Expanding School-Based Mental Health Services: As schools are pivotal in supporting youth, policies should allocate funds for on-site counselors, peer-led programs, and trauma-informed practices that ensure mental health resources are both accessible and culturally sensitive.
- Standardizing Data Collection and Reporting: Comprehensive and uniform reporting can inform future research and guide effective, targeted prevention strategies.
- Embedding Youth Voice in Decision-Making: The perspectives of youth are not optional; they are crucial. Policies should advocate for youth advisory boards in mental health initiatives and incentivize programs that elevate youth leadership in prevention efforts.
- Supporting Family Engagement: Families need the tools to recognize warning signs and provide effective support. Funding for parent education programs and family-centered interventions can significantly strengthen protective factors at home.
A Call to Action
The takeaway is clear: preventing youth suicide requires a collaborative effort from parents, educators, healthcare providers, researchers, and—most importantly—youth themselves. By actively listening, collaborating, and engaging with compassion, we can move beyond mere survival strategies to achieve meaningful change.
By Dr. Angela Cummings, assistant professor, pediatrics – public health, Baylor College of Medicine
Photo credits: all images by Cassandra Vigil, except the final photo, which was taken by the author, Dr. Angela Cummings.
