College of Medicine hosts Youth Suicide Education and Prevention Summit

The Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine hosted a Youth Suicide Education and Prevention Summit last month at the Spokane Tribe's Mistequa Casino in Chewelah, Washington to address the urgent issue of youth mental health.

The event brought together more than 70 educators, health care professionals, first responders, Tribal leaders, policymakers, and families. Organized by WSU College of Medicine Professor and psychiatrist Dr. Matt Layton, the summit was designed as a catalyst for change.

"We called it a summit intentionally," said Dr. Layton. "It's a meeting of leaders-Tribal, rural, urban, academic, and legislative-coming together to address a crisis that affects every community."

The event was made possible through a $40,000 gift from SMILE, a youth suicide prevention nonprofit founded by Ted and Christie Toribara after the loss of their son Craig. As SMILE winds down its operations this year, the organization has chosen to invest its remaining funds in sustainable, community-driven initiatives.

"SMILE has believed in WSU," Dr. Layton said. "They've trusted us to carry this work forward."

The summit is part of a broader initiative that includes a peer-to-peer mentorship program launched last year in Stevens County schools. Funded by an additional $80,000 from SMILE, the program trains high school students to mentor younger peers on topics like emotional regulation, healthy behaviors, and mental health awareness.

"If we're going to utilize peer pressure, let's make it positive," Dr. Layton said. "Let's empower students to say, 'I'm worried about you, and I'll help you get help.'"

The summit featured breakout sessions on five key topics: access to mental health and substance use treatment, educational system challenges, government policy, creative youth support strategies, and the impact of social media. Participants were encouraged to share ideas and identify actionable steps to take back to their communities.

Dr. Jeffrey Sung, a nationally recognized expert in suicide prevention and a former psychiatry resident trained by Dr. Layton, delivered the keynote address. Attendees also gained access to up to seven hours of additional training materials developed by Dr. Sung, extending the summit's impact.

Dr. Layton emphasized the importance of breaking down stigma and encouraging open conversations.

"People get hung up on taboo subjects," he said. "But the truth is, most people are relieved to talk about it. You don't have to have all the answers-you just need to care."

The summit also highlighted the importance of early intervention.

"The data shows that suicide rates among eight to 12-year-olds are rising rapidly. We can't wait until high school to start these conversations," Dr. Layton said.

Summit participants plan to use insights from the event to launch Phase 2 of the initiative: supporting local communities in implementing suicide prevention strategies and advocating for policy changes.

"This is about building long-term relationships and showing communities that we're here to help," Dr. Layton said. "We want to lay the groundwork for real, lasting change."

If you are in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.