Efforts to combat youth suicide in Tarrant County have led to a remarkable decrease of over 70% in suicides among K-12 students during the 2024-25 school year. This significant reduction highlights the impact of initiatives spearheaded by the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, according to its CEO, Matthew Vereecke.
At a recent luncheon, Vereecke shared that the foundation has implemented comprehensive programs in 136 schools across the region. These programs include basic suicide prevention training for students, more intensive training for educators, and connections to local community support services. “We are making amazing progress. But the fight isn’t even close to being over,” he stated, emphasizing the ongoing need for these critical interventions.
The success of the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation has attracted attention from other organizations. The Sam Asbury Foundation in Atlanta and the Matt Harbin Foundation in Austin plan to launch similar models in the coming year, aiming to replicate the successful strategies employed in Tarrant County. “If sharing information can help other cities and regions tackle the issue, the foundation will support such work,” Vereecke noted.
New Foundations Inspired by Local Success
The Sam Asbury Foundation was founded by David Asbury, whose son, Sam, died by suicide in February 2020. Asbury launched the foundation to honor his son and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. “We wanted to bring attention to mental health and suicide,” he said, expressing hope that their efforts could prevent similar tragedies.
Initial fundraising efforts for the foundation have been promising, highlighted by a golf tournament that raised $140,000 in its first year. Asbury aims to take the foundation’s mission further by establishing programs that directly address suicide prevention. Collaborating with the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, the Sam Asbury Foundation recently conducted its first training session at Holy Innocents Episcopal School in Atlanta. Educators at the school reported feeling empowered by the training, which effectively addressed common myths about suicide.
Similarly, Brett Harbin created the Matt Harbin Foundation in memory of his brother, who took his own life in 2018. Inspired by the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, Harbin envisions implementing programs aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and support within the Austin area. He has already begun discussions with local school districts to introduce similar initiatives.
Ongoing Commitment in Tarrant County
Despite the encouraging results, the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation recognizes that its work is far from complete. As of November, the foundation is involved in nearly 160 schools within Tarrant County, with plans to expand further. Vereecke emphasized the necessity of addressing the issue holistically, stating, “Suicide doesn’t care about where you live.”
The foundation is also exploring partnerships with faith-based organizations to reach students who may be at risk of dropping out. “It’s tough to design a solution that’s going to fix one or two or three student deaths when they don’t have a whole lot in common,” Vereecke explained. “The common factor we’re seeing is a lack of access to resources.”
As the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation continues its mission to eliminate youth suicide in Tarrant County, its work serves as a model for communities nationwide. The hope is that with increased awareness, training, and resources, more lives can be saved and families spared from the heartache of losing loved ones to suicide.
