Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide Inc.

Overview

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide Inc. (SPTS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of teen suicides through awareness, education, and advocacy. Founded in 2005 by Scott Fritz and Don Quigley, two friends who lost their teenage children to suicide, SPTS aims to empower communities, educators, parents, and youth with the tools necessary to recognize and address mental health challenges among adolescents.

History and Philosophy

SPTS was established following the personal tragedies experienced by its co-founders. Upon learning that suicide was a leading cause of death among American youth at the time, they became determined to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Initially a grassroots initiative, SPTS has evolved into a nationally recognized leader in youth mental health and suicide prevention. The organization focuses on evidence-based strategies and works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

Programs and Initiatives

SPTS offers a range of comprehensive training programs for school staff, medical professionals, parents, caregivers, and students. These programs are designed to build resilience and provide participants with the skills needed to identify and support youth at risk of suicide. Key initiatives include:

• Legislation and Policy Advocacy: In 2007, SPTS successfully advocated for New Jersey to become the first state to mandate suicide prevention training for educators. This effort marked a significant milestone in the organization's mission to integrate mental health education into professional development for teachers.

• Educational Training Programs: SPTS developed the free online course Making Educators Partners in Youth Suicide Prevention, which has been recognized as a best practice by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Over 375,000 educators across the U.S. have completed this course, potentially impacting millions of students.

• Community Resources: SPTS has produced educational resources for parents, including a video titled Not My Kid: What Every Parent Should Know About Youth Suicide. This video aims to help parents recognize the signs of distress and intervene appropriately.

• Youth Council: Established in 2015, the Youth Council engages young people as ambassadors in suicide prevention. Members participate in workshops and projects focused on resilience building and mental health awareness.

Mission and Values

The mission of SPTS is to increase awareness, save lives, and reduce the stigma associated with suicide through specialized training programs and mental health resources. The organization's core values include a passionate commitment to the value of life, a belief in evidence-based prevention strategies, dedication to removing stigma, confidence in the power of education, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Impact

Over the past 20 years, SPTS has transformed from a local initiative into a national leader in youth suicide prevention. The organization has educated hundreds of thousands of individuals and has been instrumental in shaping state and national policies to address youth mental health. As SPTS continues to evolve, it remains a vital resource for communities seeking to support adolescents and prevent suicide.

Milestones and Celebration

In 2025, SPTS marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of dedicated work in empowering communities and saving lives. This milestone is a testament to the organization's enduring commitment to its mission and its role as a catalyst for change in youth mental health.