SAF Prevention Program
Saving Lives Through Awareness, Prevention, and Hope.
Proven, Evidence-Based Prevention that is Saving Lives
While K–12 schools lay the foundation for emotional development, the transition into young adulthood is where many begin to struggle, often quietly and without the same level of support.
In a generation facing rising loneliness, where a sense of belonging is one of the strongest protective factors for mental fitness, this season matters more than ever.
We focus on this pivotal window - the space between school and “what’s next.” By strengthening resilience and fostering meaningful peer connections, we help young adults navigate the modern world with confidence, clarity, and a true sense of belonging.
Building Strong Minds Early to Prevent Crisis Later
We are committed to making a meaningful impact in this decade of change. As we have strengthened our work, we’ve recognized the need to reach students earlier - equipping them with the tools they need before a crisis begins.
The SAF Prevention Program was created with this in mind. Beginning as early as age five, we teach mental fitness and character-building skills through social and emotional learning, laying a foundation that helps prevent youth suicide.
How It Works
Our multi-tiered system of support is based in research which shows that belonging and peer connection are among the strongest protective factors against suicide. Our approach builds resilience and equips adults to intervene early and address digital stress and isolation.
Together, we can move from awareness to measurable, life-saving impact.
Tier 1
Universal Prevention (QPR Training)
Tier 1 support is available to - and encouraged for - everyone in the community.
The Sam Asbury Foundation has built a team of certified QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainers who are passionate about equipping individuals
with life-saving skills in schools, workplaces, and the broader community.
QPR training teaches people how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, respond with confidence, and connect individuals to the help they need.
This is the starting point for prevention. We believe everyone should have this level of training, and our
goal is to make it accessible, practical, and easy
to implement.
Tier 2
Targeted Prevention (Peer Programs)
Tier 2 is where we begin to see measurable, meaningful change.
This is where we bring evidence-based peer programming into schools - equipping students with developmentally appropriate skills to recognize distress, support their peers, and connect them to trusted adults.
This work is essential because research shows that
7 out of 10 young people will confide in a peer before turning to a parent or adult, often sharing early warning signs of distress. When students are
equipped to respond in these moments, they
become a powerful front line of support.
Equipping peers to recognize and respond to distress is not only impactful - it is proven to save lives. This program has been shown to reduce youth suicide by 80% when implemented in schools. (Statistic from The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, 2026)
Meet Our Trainers
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Our Partners in this Work
Be the Support They Need.
From school-wide prevention to one-on-one peer support, find out how you can help us bring these life-saving tools to more students.
