Welcome to the 20th episode of The Way Forward – A Kindness Mission, presented by Anthony’s Way – The Road to Kindness.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julie Goldstein Grumet, Vice President for Suicide Prevention Strategy at the Education Development Center (EDC) and Director of the Zero Suicide Institute. Julie has dedicated her career to transforming how health and behavioral health systems approach suicide prevention, ensuring that every person at risk is identified, supported, and connected to the care they need.

Julie’s leadership has helped make the Zero Suicide framework a national model for advancing safety, compassion, and hope in health care. This conversation dives deep into how systemic change can save lives, how stigma persists, and what practical steps families, providers, and communities can take to prevent suicide.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Julie’s background and what led her to focus on suicide prevention
• How the Zero Suicide initiative differs from other prevention efforts
• Addressing stigma and misconceptions surrounding suicide
• Warning signs families and communities should know
• Practical steps for parents and loved ones
• Real-world impact stories from Zero Suicide implementation
• Where suicide prevention is heading in the next 5–10 years
• A message of hope for families and communities

The information shared in this episode is powerful and potentially lifesaving, offering both systemic insights and compassionate, real-world strategies for prevention.

In our posts to finish this month and highlight suicide prevention, it is clear that suicide rates are going up. That is heartbreaking. Everyone needs to work together and take time to truly listen if someone is having a difficult time. We all need to come together.

Learn more about Anthony’s Way – The Road to Kindness:
https://www.anthonysroadtokindness.com/

Connect with our guest:
Education Development Center (EDC): https://www.edc.org/
Zero Suicide Institute: https://zerosuicide.edc.org/

Resources for Support:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
https://988lifeline.org

DISCLAIMER: This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified expert or provider with any questions you may have regarding a specific issue.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicide prevention. Please take care while listening and prioritize your well-being.

DISCLAIMER Anthony’s Way - The Road to Kindness does not endorse products, services, publications, medications, or treatments, including those advertised in any of our publications, webinars or podcasts.

Welcome to the 16th episode of The Way Forward – A Kindness Mission presented by Anthony’s Way – The Road to Kindness. In this episode, we’re joined by two powerful voices in children’s health and advocacy:

• Clark Flatt, Founder and President of The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI), a nonprofit he established in 1997 in memory of his son Jason. JFI has become a national leader in prevention education, training, and policy.
• Neil Harrington, Research Director for NC Child, a nonprofit think tank and advocacy group dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children across North Carolina.

The statistics regarding child and teen suicide are staggering and action needs to be taken now to prevent them from getting worse. The information in this episode can truly save lives.

Clark and Neil bring unique perspectives, one from lived experience turned national advocacy, the other from research and policy development, both working toward the shared goal of creating safer, healthier futures for children.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The origin and mission of The Jason Foundation and how Jason’s story shaped national policy
• The Jason Flatt Act: adoption across states, challenges in North Carolina, and what’s next
• How teacher training helps identify and support students in crisis
• Key signs parents and caregivers should be aware of
• The role of schools, pediatricians, and providers in early detection and coordinated care
• Resources for families and schools that remain underutilized
• NC Child’s advocacy for stronger mental health infrastructure in schools
• Successes, setbacks, and opportunities for community members to push policies forward
• Broader initiatives NC Child is leading into 2025 and 2026

Clark and Neil offer both heartfelt stories and practical strategies for families, schools, and communities. Listeners will gain insights into prevention, advocacy, and the systems that can help protect children and teens.

Learn more about Anthony’s Way – The Road to Kindness:
https://www.anthonysroadtokindness.com/

Connect with our guests:

• The Jason Foundation:https://jasonfoundation.com/
• NC Child:https://ncchild.org/

Resources for Support:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
• Nationwide Children’s ADHD & Youth Suicide Resource: link

DISCLAIMER: This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified expert or provider with any questions you may have regarding a specific issue.

DISCLAIMER Anthony’s Way - The Road to Kindness does not endorse products, services, publications, medications, or treatments, including those advertised in any of our publications, webinars or podcasts.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including youth suicide and mental health. Please take care while listening.

Welcome to another episode of The Way Forward – A Kindness Mission, presented by Anthony’s Way – The Road to Kindness. With September being Suicide Prevention Month, Tony and Cassi Bellezza share an important conversation on how ADHD impacts children’s mental health, and what parents, caregivers, and communities can do to support kids who may be struggling.

Research shows that youth with ADHD have a 30% higher risk of attemping or dying by suicide, often due to impulsive decision-making. This episode shines a light on the urgent need for awareness, open communication, and proactive support for families navigating ADHD.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Staggering statistics around ADHD and teen suicide
• Why ADHD increases suicide risk for children and teens
• Signs parents and caregivers should look out for
• The role of communication and creating safe spaces for kids to open up
• How impulsivity can heighten risk and what strategies can help
• Building strong support systems at home and school
• Resources available to families during times of crisis

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support
• ADHD and Youth Suicide – Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Together, we can help positively impact the stigma around ADHD and youth mental health, while equipping families with the tools, knowledge, and compassion needed to support kids through their toughest moments.

Learn more about Anthony’s Way at:
www.anthonysroadtokindness.com

DISCLAIMER: This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified mental health professionals with any questions you may have regarding a specific condition. If you or your child are in immediate crisis, please dial 988 or contact your local emergency services.

DISCLAIMER Anthony’s Way - The Road to Kindness does not endorse products, services, publications, medications, or treatments, including those advertised in any of our publications, webinars or podcasts.