Efforts to combat youth suicide in Tarrant County have yielded significant results, with a reported decrease of over 70% in suicides among K-12 students during the 2024-25 school year. This remarkable progress is attributed to the initiatives spearheaded by the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, according to CEO Matthew Vereecke. At a recent luncheon, Vereecke emphasized the foundation’s commitment to ongoing efforts, stating, “We are making amazing progress. But the fight isn’t even close to being over.”
The foundation has implemented comprehensive programs across 136 schools in the area, which include student training on suicide prevention, intensive training for faculty, and partnerships with community providers. These initiatives have turned Tarrant County into a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges. Notable organizations, such as the Sam Asbury Foundation in Atlanta and the Matt Harbin Foundation in Austin, are now preparing to adopt similar frameworks in their local communities.
Vereecke clarified that while the foundation’s primary mission remains focused on Tarrant County, sharing its successful strategies could benefit other areas facing the “epidemic of suicide.” He likened the foundation’s role to that of Freedom House Ambulance, a pioneering organization in emergency medical services, emphasizing the need for effective community resources.
Expansion Efforts in Atlanta and Austin
The Sam Asbury Foundation was established by David Asbury, who lost his son Sam to suicide in February 2020. In the wake of this tragedy, Asbury sought to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. “We wanted to bring attention to mental health and suicide,” he stated. “We hoped to use Sam’s great life to keep another person from hurting themselves.” The foundation has already successfully raised funds, including $140,000 from its inaugural golf tournament.
Asbury’s organization has connected with the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation to implement training and resources in private schools throughout Georgia. Their first training session was held at the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, where staff expressed both nervousness and appreciation for the training provided. Executive Director Stephanie Johnston noted that participants left feeling empowered to help intervene during crises.
Meanwhile, Brett Harbin, who founded the Matt Harbin Foundation in memory of his brother Matt, is also inspired by the work in Tarrant County. Harbin aims to introduce similar programs in Austin, having already spoken with local school districts about potential collaborations. His foundation recently launched its charity golf tournament, the Lil Smokie Invitational, as part of its fundraising efforts.
Ongoing Commitment in Tarrant County
Despite the success achieved so far, Vereecke insists that the work is far from complete. As of November, the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation operates in nearly 160 schools and is striving to expand its reach further. “This is one of those wicked problems where I don’t think you can take a risk-adjusted approach,” he remarked. “Suicide doesn’t care about where you live.”
The foundation is also focused on reducing high school dropout rates by exploring how to engage students through faith-based community partnerships. “Thinking about additional ways to bring those resources to bear is what we’re going to be spending our time doing over the next six months,” Vereecke stated.
The collaborative efforts among these foundations highlight a growing recognition of the need for effective suicide prevention strategies. By sharing successful models and expanding their reach, organizations like the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation are making strides in the fight against youth suicide, ensuring that more lives can be saved across the nation.
