PROSPER Training with Barbara Merritt

PROSPER Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training

Many community members—including professionals—never receive formal training in suicide risk management and intervention, leaving them uncertain about how to respond when someone is in crisis. PROSPER empowers communities and equips professionals with the latest, most effective tools to provide meaningful support during a suicidal crisis.

Our evidence-based trainings—offered in a variety of formats—are designed to build confidence, competence, and comfort in recognizing risk and helping individuals in crisis.

🎓 CE Credits available (CME, APA, ACE, IPCE, BACB)
✅ Evidence-based. Practical. Community-driven.

Upcoming Trainings

📅 November 16th or December 7th

More Information and Registration

Barbara Merritt, LCSW,

School counselor in LCSD2, serving three
secondary schools and consulting at the
elementary level through counseling, referrals, and student support.

About PROSPER

Innovation in Suicide Prevention and Intervention: Let’s PROSPER Together!

Suicide is not just a mental health issue—it is a complex societal challenge, comparable to poverty, homelessness, and crime. Many communities struggle with one-size-fits-all approaches that don’t work.

The PROSPER model—Proactive Reduction Of Suicides in Populations via Evidence-based Research— offers dynamic, culturally responsive prevention and intervention training that:

Equips professionals with practical, research-backed tools
Builds connected, resilient communities
Reduces stigma and inspires collective action

By moving beyond reactive hospitalization to patient-centered, strength-based strategies, PROSPER empowers individuals and creates lasting change.

From Vision to Action: PROSPER’s Story

What began with Dr. Kent Corso’s vision to bridge research and practice has grown into a global network of advocates, experts, and communities united in preventing suicide. Since 2016, PROSPER has reached thousands—including healthcare providers, educators, first responders, faith leaders, and community members—connecting diverse people in a shared mission of hope and resilience.

In 2024, more than 1,500 participants reported significant improvements in their confidence, competence, and comfort supporting those in distress.

PROSPER thrives on collaboration, partnering with healthcare systems, schools, faith-based organizations, and governments to amplify impact.

Together, we are shifting culture—from silence to action—and building a world where everyone PROSPERs.

More About PROSPER

One Minute Can Save A Life Podcast

Kent Corso, a clinical psychologist and suicidologist, introduces PROSPER—an initiative designed to reduce suicide risk through evidence-based research. Unlike traditional fear-based approaches, PROSPER focuses on long-term strategies that incorporate community values and cultural elements. The program emphasizes prevention, intervention, and postvention, encouraging community engagement and cooperation to tackle suicide as a social issue. The podcast highlights grassroots efforts and provides insights into effective suicide risk reduction.

One Minute Can Save A Life