Houston Symposium Highlights Youth Voices in Suicide Prevention Efforts

A recent gathering in Houston placed young people at the center of a critical discussion: how to improve suicide prevention strategies that directly impact their lives. The Pele Chandler Youth Suicide Prevention Symposium, hosted by Baylor College of Medicine, convened students, mental health experts, educators, and public officials to ensure youth perspectives play a central role in shaping future policy.

The event created a structured forum for open conversations about challenges facing young Texans. Participants addressed issues such as community stigma, access to mental health services, and communication gaps between teens and adults. Youth attendees also shared lived experiences to help leaders understand where existing systems fall short.

Youth-led Insights Drive Policy Dialogue

Organizers highlighted that the voices of young people—those most affected by rising mental health risks—are often missing from policy formation. The symposium aimed to change that dynamic by encouraging direct participation. Students proposed new approaches to outreach, including peer-support programs and expanded mental health education in schools.

Mental health practitioners in attendance emphasized the need for culturally aware care. They urged policymakers to invest in resources that reflect the diverse backgrounds of Houston’s youth. Leaders also discussed strategies for strengthening partnerships among schools, healthcare systems, and community groups.

Why It Matters

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people nationwide. Advocates say meaningful progress requires elevating youth voices, particularly in large metro areas like Houston. By giving teens a prominent role in shaping strategies, the city moves toward more effective, responsive mental health interventions.

The symposium marks another step in a broader effort across Texas to address mental health challenges early and give communities tools for prevention.

This article is a summary of reporting by Baylor College of Medicine Blog Network. Read the full story here.