Expanding the Conversation on Preventing Youth Suicide

Youth suicide is a growing problem nationwide.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people 10-14 years old and third leading cause of death for those between 15-24.  

Children’s hospitals play a central role in keeping kids safe and preventing youth suicide. This work requires leadership that demands action, collaboration, and sustained commitment.

Kids with varying degrees of suicide risk see providers in primary care, specialty clinics, emergency departments, inpatient floors, and even at school. This regular, direct contact with children allows providers to routinely screen for suicide and assess risk, just as they do for other health concerns.

We aim to accelerate progress in suicide care as pediatric leaders and care teams learn from one another. Today, we lead the Preventing Youth Suicide Peer Learning Exchange, an open community with curated content and resources available to anyone committed to improving the care for children at risk of suicide.

Learning together to drive progress

The Preventing Youth Suicide Peer Learning Exchange was formed in 2026 to share learnings and make an impact far beyond individual hospital programs.

The Peer Learning Exchange offers:

• Webinars featuring hospital-led strategies and lessons learned
• Opportunities to dig deeper through follow-up discussions
• A multidisciplinary online community to seek feedback and peer resources
• Curated articles, tools, and resources grounded in evidence-based care
• Support from CHA staff to connect you to people and resources
• Ways to highlight your hospital or community’s work in suicide care and prevention

The Peer Learning Exchange creates an environment for honest conversation. Participants can share what has and hasn’t worked, what barriers remain, and what future opportunities they are considering.

How the work began

The Peer Learning Exchange builds on the Preventing Youth Suicide National Collaborative‘s work that began as a joint effort between CHA, Cardinal Health Foundation, and Zero Suicide Institute.

Over three years, 39 children’s hospitals used a systematic approach to identify and assess children at risk of suicide. Participants implemented changes in suicide care, including screening patients, collecting data, training staff, and building cultures that recognize the importance of these efforts.

These lessons now inform the Peer Learning Exchange. What began as a focused collaborative has grown into a space where more hospitals can learn from proven strategies and continue to push this work forward.

An open invitation

Preventing youth suicide does not end with one program or one collaborative. It requires sustained action and shared responsibility.

The Peer Learning Exchange reinforces children’s hospitals as leaders in suicide prevention by connecting hospitals, elevating evidence-based practices, and supporting peer learning.

Because progress happens faster when we work together and lead meaningful change for children and families.

Learn more about how to get involved with the Preventing Youth Suicide Peer Learning Exchange.