Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition

Meeting Agenda

Date Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Registration & Networking begins at 10:30 AM
Location Sally Fox Conference Center 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT

Agenda Snapshot

Time Session
11:00 – 11:10 AM Welcome & Introductions
Chris Allen, LICSW Director of Suicide Prevention · Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department of Mental Health
11:10 – 11:30 AM Strategraph Introduction & Overview
Donald Harris, Ph.D. Managing Director · Strategraph LLC
11:30 – 11:45 AM Vermont Suicide Prevention Data Briefing
Jeff Trites Public Health Analyst · Vermont Department of Health
11:45 AM – 12:10 PM State Program Updates
Chris Allen, LICSW Director of Suicide Prevention · Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department of Mental Health
Nick Nichols, MSW Suicide Prevention Coordinator · Vermont Department of Health
Desiree Kepper Youth Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator · Vermont Department of Health
12:10 – 12:30 PM Current Advocacy Efforts
Terri Lavely, MS Board Chair · American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Vermont
Melissa Bell Vermont Advocacy Committee Chair · American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
12:30 – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 – 1:15 PM Targeted State-Level Actions for Suicide Prevention
Donald Harris, Ph.D. Managing Director · Strategraph LLC
1:15 – 2:15 PM Strategic Plan Advisory Work Session & Report-Outs Regional successes, gaps, and observations
2:15 – 2:25 PM Break
2:25 – 2:45 PM Local Coalition Efforts: Chittenden County
Mark Margolis, MA Suicide Coordinator / Clinical Manager · Howard Center
Stephen Hayes Public Health Supervisor · Vermont Department of Health, Burlington District Office
2:45 – 3:00 PM Reflections & Adjourn
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Vermont Department of Mental Health  ·  2026