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May 23, 2023: New Braunfels will host the Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium 2023 this summer.

The Symposium, slated for June 13-15 at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, is one of the largest gatherings of mental health community partners, providers and stakeholders nationally and regularly attracts a variety of subject matter experts.

In 2022, the virtual Symposium attracted about 1,900 registrants and over 7.5 million social media impressions. This year’s event will serve as the first in-person Symposium since 2016.

This event provides vital technical assistance to Texas communities on suicide prevention. We encourage all stakeholders invested in mental health, suicide prevention, and those serving youth, military, veterans and underserved Texans to attend. There will be a Zoom option for those who cannot attend in person and most sessions will be recorded.

“We really work hard to make this widely available,” said Lisa Sullivan, executive director of the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative. “There is great work happening across our state – this is an opportunity to bring everyone together, hear from over 40 national state and local experts and showcase over 40 exhibitors. We know the hard work of suicide prevention happens in our communities and this event is designed to bring the resources to them. We are really excited to have the opportunity to work with New Braunfels on this important event. I think this location is fantastic. The New Braunfels community has been so supportive, and we’re grateful for the support we are receiving.”

The statewide organization supports and administers the Symposium as well as the Texas Suicide Prevention Council — a network of more than 140 statewide partners, local coalitions, military and veteran organizations and institutions of higher education who work together to improve suicide prevention outcomes for Texas.

Sessions on the first day of the Symposium will focus on schools, youth and higher education, presented by South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center.

Day two will feature sessions on general infrastructure issues that have statewide and local implications, presented by Texas Health and Human Services.

The event’s final day will include sessions focused on service members, veterans and families, presented by Endeavors.

At the Civic Center, one classroom will serve as a wellness room for those who need a break and even partake in art if they wish.

The McKenna Foundation, Mental Advocacy Partners Comal and the Suicide Prevention Council of Comal County are among the local organizations sponsoring the Symposium.

“The Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium is an important event that brings experts to the community to share nationally recognized prevention efforts,” said Kristen Fain, the McKenna Foundation’s program officer. “By supporting this Symposium in New Braunfels, we are taking a crucial step towards creating a safer and more compassionate community for all.”

For more information or to register for the event, visit texassuicideprevention.org/texas-suicide-prevention-symposium-2023.

Follow the hashtag #TxSP23 on Twitter for live updates during the Symposium.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. For local help, call the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team of Comal County at 1-877-466-0660 or text 741741.

Confidential crisis support is available for veterans and their loved ones by dialing 988, then pressing 1. Veterans can also text 838255. If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For more information, visit MAPComal.org.