This summit is an essential gathering to amplify youth suicide prevention in Maryland. It brings together clinicians, educators, legislators, community organizations, and young people and families with lived experience to create a unified and collaborative strategy. Our goal is to break down silos, amplify the voices of those most affected, and develop concrete, actionable plans to save lives.

Audience:
This summit is designed for professionals and individuals committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of Maryland's youth. Your unique perspective is essential to our success. We invite the following key partners to join us:

Clinicians & Mental Health Professionals: Experts providing front-line care, bringing invaluable insights into prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies.
 

Legislators & Policy Makers: Leaders who can champion and enact policies that support mental health services and reduce barriers to care.
 

Community Organizations & School Leaders: The boots-on-the-ground advocates who understand the unique needs of local communities and can implement programs where they are most needed.
 

Youth & Families with Lived Experience: The most critical voices at the table. Your personal stories and insights are the foundation for a strategy that is effective, compassionate, and truly centered on those we aim to serve.
 

Our Goals:

By uniting these diverse perspectives, we will collectively work to:
 

• Amplify the Voices of Lived Experience: Ensure that the perspectives of youth and families are at the forefront of all discussions and policy decisions.
• Identify Gaps in Current Systems: Pinpoint the weaknesses in our current prevention networks and brainstorm innovative solutions.
• Draft Collaborative Action Plans: Develop concrete, actionable strategies that integrate clinical best practices with legislative support and community-led initiatives.
• Advocate for Statewide Change: Empower attendees to advocate and champion change in their respective fields, from the clinic to the capitol.

Join us in this vital effort to create a future where every young person in Maryland has the support they need to thrive. 

Agenda:

8:00 - 8:20 AM Check In/ Tech Check

8:20 AM Welcome

8:30 - 8:55 AM MAPS Intro and Hands-On Demonstration
Dionne Bowie Director, Office of Suicide Prevention and Wellness

8:55 - 9:45 AM Update on State of Maryland Initiatives
Alyssa Lord Deputy Secretary of Behavioral Health

9:45-10:15 AM Maryland Coalition of Families
Carolyn Blade
TBD Second Youth Organization

10:15-10:30 AM Break

10:30 - 12:15 PM Youth and Family Panel on their Mental Health Journeys in Maryland

12:15 - 12:45 PM Lunch Video Demo: Safety Plan Creation with Teen & Parent
HealthyChildren.org Article: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/how-a-suicide-prevention-safety-pla n-can-save-your-childs-life.aspx

12:45 - 1:15 PM Update Maryland Universal Form Creation

1 - 2:30 PM Legislative Town Hall
Senator Malcolm Augustine
Delegate Jessica Felmark
Delegate Bonnie Cullison

2:30 - 3:00 PM Summary


IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
 

If you are not a Kennedy Krieger staff member, please bring a valid ID to the meeting and check in at the 2nd floor security once you enter the building through the garage.

Please note, parking is NOT included and you will be responsible for payment. Please grab a ticket when you enter the garage. Thank you!
 

Fragrance Free: We ask that all who are attending refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, after shave and scented body lotions.
Read the full policy here
 

If you have any accessibility needs, requests or general questions, please email 
ConferenceReservations@KennedyKrieger.org