Montgomery, Ala. – Troy University’s Montgomery campus will serve as the hub for the 2026 Alabama Higher Education Suicide Prevention Conference on Friday, August 28. The full‑day event, running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is designed to equip colleges, health providers and community groups with practical tools to reduce suicide among students.
Local focus, statewide impact
The conference gathers professionals from across Alabama’s higher‑education system, health‑care networks and community organizations. Attendees will discuss how to strengthen partnerships, share evidence‑based practices and implement concrete strategies that can be applied both on campus and in the surrounding Montgomery community.
Keynote speaker shares hope
Internationally recognized mental‑health advocate Kevin Hines will deliver the keynote address. Hines, a bestselling author and award‑winning filmmaker who survived a suicide attempt, uses his personal story to promote hope, resilience and the life‑saving power of human connection.
Expert insights and interactive sessions
Dr. Shelley W. Reed, Associate Chair of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training at Troy University, highlighted the urgency of the issue: “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Many students struggle with depression, anxiety, substance use, adjustment challenges and other factors that affect their academic success and ability to stay in school. Increasing awareness and access to mental‑health and suicide‑prevention services both on and off campus is essential to student wellness and suicide reduction.”
Beyond the keynote, the agenda includes breakout sessions led by experts in behavioral health, higher education administration and community outreach. Participants will receive evidence‑based resources, learn how to develop collaborative prevention initiatives, and leave with actionable plans to support student mental health in Montgomery and beyond.
Why the conference matters for Montgomery families
Families in the Montgomery area have expressed concern about the rising mental‑health challenges facing college‑age youth. By hosting the conference locally, Troy University provides a venue for parents, educators and faith‑based groups to engage directly with specialists and learn how to protect their children’s well‑being.
Community members interested in attending can register through the university’s event page. The conference promises to foster a network of support that extends from the campus to neighborhoods, churches and local health clinics, reinforcing the city’s commitment to safeguarding its young adults.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
