The Hope Squad: The Successful Suicide Prevention Program for Youth

Dr. Greg Hudnall spent thirty years in Utah's Provo City School District as a principal and administrator, becoming a first responder to dozens of student suicides. Devastated by the losses, he built a community-wide prevention model and founded Hope Squad—a peer-to-peer program where students nominated by classmates are trained to recognize warning signs and connect struggling friends with adult help. Part memoir, part practical guide, the book pairs candid stories with 'Lifesaver' reference sections on warning signs, risk factors, talking about suicide, and reducing access to lethal means.

• The origin story of Hope Squad—now in hundreds of schools across the US and Canada—told by its founder
• A frontline educator who responded to dozens of student suicides shares what actually works
• Practical 'Lifesaver' checklists parents and teachers can use tonight to start a life-saving conversation
• Proof that peers, not just professionals, can save lives—students nominated by classmates become the eyes and ears of a school

“I have come to learn that young ones who are struggling have already thought of taking their lives. In reality, however, they do not want to die. They just want the pain to go away, but they do not know how to make it go away, so they see suicide as an option.”

Perfect for an educator, parent, school counselor, or community/church leader worried about youth mental health who wants a real-world, story-driven guide to preventing suicide.