Suicide Rapid Response Program
Mission
Suicide Rapid Response helps Oregon’s communities heal from youth death by suicide, while limiting and containing risk of further harm by partnering with experts in the field to provide direct education, support, and resources.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, ages 10-34. (CDC, 2025)
Program Summary
Suicide Rapid Response (SRR) is led and coordinated by the Lines for Life Prevention Team in conjunction with community service providers. These services are paid for by Oregon Health Authority (OHA). SRR offers support and services to communities who have been impacted by the loss of a youth to suicide, ages 24 and younger.
If you are a community experiencing a youth suicide loss, please reach out to your county’s Postvention Response Lead (PRL). You may find your county’s PRL’s contact information here.
Quick Guide to the Rapid Response Program
The quick guide provided below outlines the program’s streamlined approach to better service communities in a timely and efficient manner.
Services
SRR is collaboratively designed to include evidence-based best practices that are monitored, evaluated, and responsive to community needs. Some examples of possible services include:
- Counseling
- Grief and suicide prevention resources
- Listening sessions
- Social media and classroom outreach
- Safe rooms
- Lethal means lockboxes
- Universal screening
Note: We believe every response is as unique as the communities we serve. This menu is not intended to be a “set” list of options. If there is a need and/or an idea not mentioned, it does not mean it cannot be accomplished.
Community Partners
SRR may work with one or more of the following providers to coordinate services for the community:
The Dougy Center
Dougy Center is a Portland-based nonprofit offering grief support for children, teens, young adults, and families. Their pioneering peer grief support model, professional training, and world-renowned programs and advocacy bring hope and healing around the world.
During a response, Dougy Center may provide grief toolkits, handouts, or resource guides for schools and parents, helping people understand how children specifically grieve and what to look out for. They may also provide grief training and consultation to school counselors and community providers, and grief support to families and community as needed.
Oregon Healing Collective
Oregon Healing Collective is a Springfield-based practice that takes an anti-colonial, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed approach to mental health practice. Their therapy services specialize in suicide prevention and the impacts of climate change on mental health.
Lines for Life works with Oregon Healing Collective to provide grief counseling for families, community, and school members, and can also provide mental health counseling for youth and community members activated by the community loss, as needed. Oregon Healing Collective may facilitate grief support groups at impacted schools.
Central Oregon Bio Solutions
Central Oregon Bio Solutions is a Biohazard Cleanup business based in Bend, Oregon. Central Oregon Bio Solutions exists to bring a personal and caring approach to incredibly difficult circumstances. Whether the situation involves a trauma scene, unattended death, suicide, animal feces, or even a hoarding situation, Central Oregon Bio Solutions will provide outstanding and discreet service. In most cases involving biohazard, insurance will cover the cost of the cleanup.
Oregon Family Support Network
Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) is a statewide organization providing education and advocacy from the family level through to state government. Our work is community and family-driven to provide the best access and support to the county/community being served.
YouthLine
YouthLine is a free peer-to-peer help, support, and crisis line for youth up to age 24. No problem is too big or too small for YouthLine–reach out to us today! YouthLine is confidential to a point: while we will never share conversations had on the lines, we are mandatory reporters. If a young person is experiencing or has experienced abuse, neglect, or assault, or if there are immediate safety concerns, YouthLine may contact other agencies to ensure the best support and safety for the young person in crisis. YouthLine calls, texts, chats, and email responses are provided in English. Translation is available for phone calls through a live interpreter. We help find available resources in languages other than English when requested.
What are services that you want to see added to our regular offerings? Do you know of an individual and/or organization who is a good fit for our network? We want to hear from you: [email protected].
YouthLine
YouthLine is a teen-to-teen help, support, and crisis line answering calls, texts, and chats from anyone 21 or younger. Trained teen volunteers support youth on the helpline, facilitate classroom education, and de-stigmatize reaching out for help with mental health.
Suicide Rapid Response supplies schools and communities with materials directing youth to the helpline and may also work with YouthLine to provide classroom education sessions in suicide prevention.
A Partnership with Oregon Health Authority