Suicide Lifeguard

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the Missouri Suicide Prevention Project, Suicide Lifeguard is a psychoeducational resource designed for individuals concerned about another person's suicide risk. The system delivers pedagogical content structured around four key actions: recognizing warning signs, inquiring about suicidal ideation, responding appropriately, and referring to professional services. The interface facilitates immediate connection to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and provides curated resource directories for specific populations, including military personnel, veterans, and LGBTQ individuals.

Evidence & Research Context

• The application was developed by the Missouri Suicide Prevention Project, a collaboration between the Missouri Institute of Mental Health and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
• Suicide Lifeguard was included in a 2019 descriptive analysis of 16 publicly available mobile apps designed for suicide prevention.
• The associated research underscores that the design and development of such prevention apps should be strongly supported by clinical personnel to optimize their effectiveness.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is designed for the general public to function as a gatekeeper training and resource navigation tool. Its primary utility is to equip concerned individuals with information to recognize risk and connect another person to care. The system is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for professional clinical assessment and crisis intervention.