BRITE Trial
BRITE Trial
Advancing School-Based Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a serious concern in the United States. It is the second leading cause of death among teens nationally. In 2024, Idaho’s suicide rate was 1.6 times higher than the national average. Among teens, the suicide rate is 3 times the national youth suicide rate.1,2
The BRITE (Building Resilience in Teens through Education) Trial is a research study focused on teen mental health and suicide prevention in schools.
BRITE supports schools by delivering suicide prevention education to students in 8th, 9th, and/or 10th grade. The study is comparing two programs: SOS Signs of Suicide (SOS) and Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM), to learn which program – or combination of programs – works best to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions. Both programs are evidence-based and have been shown to be effective at reducing suicide attempts in teens.
BRITE is partnering with schools in Idaho, Ohio, North Carolina, and Washington to learn how best to support student mental health and prevent suicide in teens.
1. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide Prevention Resource for Action: A Compilation of the Best Available Evidence. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2022
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). https://wisqars.cdc.gov/. Updated 2023. Accessed April 21, 2025
988 is available 24/7
BRITE Programs
SOS Signs of Suicide (SOS)
SOS teaches students and school staff the warning signs of depression and suicide, and that suicide can be prevented through acknowledging concerns, showing care, and telling a trusted adult. Education is delivered over two classroom periods for two consecutive days.
Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM)
YAM is a youth-driven program that includes interactive sessions and role plays for students to develop empathy, build awareness of mental health challenges, and practice skills to manage difficult situations. It’s delivered over five classroom periods in a three-week window.
