Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

SPARK — Suicide Prevention through Awareness, Readiness, and Knowledge

🟡 About SPARK

Q: What is SPARK?
A: SPARK stands for Suicide Prevention through Awareness, Readiness, and Knowledge. It is a regional initiative dedicated to preventing suicide and promoting mental health through education, resources, and community collaboration. SPARK brings together faith communities, healthcare providers, schools, first responders, and community members to build a network of hope.

Q: Who leads SPARK?
A: SPARK is a coalition coordinated by ACCESS, local partners, and regional stakeholders. It also has affiliated sub-initiatives such as CARE (postvention), SHIELD (first responder support), IGNITE (SUD and suicide prevention), and RESUS (support for medical professionals).

🟡 About Suicide Prevention

Q: Is suicide really a problem in East Texas?
A: Yes. Many counties in East Texas experience suicide rates higher than the state and national average. Rural factors such as isolation, stigma, and limited access to mental health care contribute to this challenge. SPARK works to address these gaps and bring hope to our communities.

Q: What can faith communities do to help prevent suicide?
A: Faith communities can:

  • Reduce stigma around mental illness and suicide

  • Offer supportive messages of hope

  • Provide connection and community

  • Partner with SPARK and other local groups for training and resources

  • Promote safe messaging and responsible conversations about mental health

Q: How do I recognize the warning signs of suicide?
A: Common warning signs include:

  • Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless

  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities

  • Increased substance use

  • Changes in sleep patterns or mood

  • Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
    If you notice these signs, take them seriously and connect the person to help.

Q: What should I do if someone I know is thinking about suicide?
A: Stay with them if safe, listen without judgment, encourage them to talk, and contact 988 or a local crisis service immediately.

🟡 Resources and Support

Q: What is 988?
A: 988 is the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It offers free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. Dial 988 from any phone.

Q: What resources does SPARK offer?
A: SPARK provides:

  • Suicide prevention and awareness training

  • Faith-friendly resources for churches and ministries

  • Monthly SPARK Faith Connect calls

  • Regional events such as the Hope, Help, and Healing Conference

  • Postvention support through CARE

  • Coalition support for SUD and first responder communities through IGNITE and SHIELD

Q: How can my church or organization get involved?
A: You can:

  • Host a training

  • Join SPARK Faith Connect

  • Become a SPARK Hub

  • Participate in SPARK events and awareness campaigns

  • Support families impacted by suicide through CARE

  • Contact us to learn more!

🟡 Getting Involved

Q: How can I volunteer with SPARK?
A: Visit our Volunteer page to sign up. Opportunities include:

  • Event support

  • Resource distribution

  • Outreach and advocacy

  • CARE postvention team

  • IGNITE coalition activities

  • SHIELD first responder outreach

Q: Is SPARK a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
A: SPARK operates under the governance of ACCESS and is in the process of formalizing its own nonprofit status to further expand its impact.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Contact us at: [insert SPARK contact email] or through the Contact page on this website.

🟡 Additional Information

Q: Where can I learn more about suicide prevention?
A: Trusted sources include:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org)

  • Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative (texassuicideprevention.org)

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

Q: Does SPARK offer training for schools or workplaces?
A: Yes! SPARK offers customizable trainings for:

  • Faith communities

  • Schools and youth organizations

  • Healthcare providers

  • First responders

  • Businesses and workplaces
    Contact us to schedule a training.