As colleges and universities continue to address the growing need for student mental health support, Troy University will host the 2026 Alabama Higher Education Suicide Prevention Conference on Aug. 28 at the University’s Montgomery Campus.
Bringing together professionals from higher education, healthcare and community organizations across the state, the conference will focus on strengthening partnerships, sharing evidence-based practices and equipping attendees with practical strategies to support student well-being and suicide prevention.
Centered on the theme Partnering for Prevention: Campus + Community Impact, the conference is presented through Alabama’s Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Campus Suicide Prevention Grant. The event supports the grant’s mission of strengthening suicide prevention efforts through education, collaboration and the implementation of evidence-based practices across Alabama’s colleges and universities.
“This conference is important because it brings focused attention to one of the most serious issues facing higher education, which is student mental health and suicide prevention,” Dr. Shelley W. Reed, Associate Chair of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Many students struggle with mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, substance use, adjustment and other challenges that can affect well-being, 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.”
Internationally acclaimed mental health advocate Kevin Hines will serve as the conference’s keynote speaker. Hines is a bestselling author, award-winning filmmaker, global speaker and suicide attempt survivor whose message of hope, resilience and recovery has inspired millions around the world. Through his personal story, Hines continues to encourage conversations about mental health while emphasizing the life-saving power of human connection and support.
In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees will participate in interactive breakout sessions and educational presentations led by experts in higher education, behavioral health and community organizations. The conference is designed to provide participants with practical tools, evidence-based strategies and collaborative opportunities they can implement to strengthen suicide prevention initiatives both on campus and within their local communities.
The Alabama Higher Education Suicide Prevention Conference was established to strengthen collaboration among colleges and universities, behavioral health providers, healthcare systems, government agencies and community organizations working to address the mental health needs of college students. As those needs continue to evolve, the conference serves as a statewide forum for sharing best practices, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships and building a stronger network of care for students across Alabama.
“I will say that in the past this conference always rejuvenated our passion for suicide prevention,” said Dr. Reed. “To see the passion and excitement of others sharing their expertise, networking with others, learning about resources and just supporting each other in a sometimes emotionally challenging field of work restores my hope! Seeing all the amazing organizations and work being done in this area and all the people impacted by it and using their own stories and expertise to continue to help others and learn about themselves is such an amazing thing to witness!”
Registration for the conference is now open, and early registration is encouraged.
Event Details:
2026 Alabama Higher Education Suicide Prevention Conference
Theme: Partnering for Prevention: Campus + Community Impact
Date: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (CT)
Location:
Troy University Montgomery Campus
231 Montgomery Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Registration:
Professionals from higher education, counseling, psychology, social work, healthcare, student affairs and community organizations are encouraged to attend.
To register, visit: https://cvent.me/W3D34G
For more information about keynote speaker Kevin Hines, visit https://kevinhinesstory.com.
