ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of a first-in-the-nation Trevor Train the Trainer pilot program in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health and The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQIA+ young people. Maryland is the first state to offer the pilot program to reduce suicides among LGBTQIA+ youth. This Pride Month also marks the one-year anniversary of the partnership between The Trevor Project and the department’s Office of Suicide Prevention.
"Everyone deserves to feel loved for who they are, seen as their authentic selves, and supported when they need help," said Gov. Moore. "This first-in-the-nation program partnership with the Trevor Project will ensure that we do more to celebrate the humanity of every Marylander and give greater hope and healing to LGBTQ+ youth. By working together, we will save lives and leave no one behind."
The Trevor Train the Trainer pilot program combines elements of both Ally Training and CARE Training. Ally Training provides a basic framework for understanding LGBTQIA+ identities and the unique challenges young people face; it includes information about common terminology and encourages participants to explore their biases, build knowledge, and develop empathy. CARE Training (Connect, Accept, Respond, Empower) focuses on suicide prevention and mental health for LGBTQIA+ young people, including the environmental stressors that contribute to a heightened risk of suicide.
“Suicide is preventable, and we are leading the effort to educate health care workers on how to help our most vulnerable populations,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott. “Our data-informed efforts and vital partnerships like this one help us identify and target the Marylanders who need mental health help and affirming support.”
According to the Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey, more than 1 in 10 LGBTQIA+ young people attempted suicide in the past year. The survey also found that having one affirming adult in their lives lowered the odds of reporting a suicide attempt compared to those who did not feel accepted.
“Creating a safe and affirming environment is critical to the mental health and wellbeing of our LGBTQIA+ young people," said Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord. “One critical step is educating youth-serving adults, and this model will exponentially increase the number of adults who learn skills to support LGBTQIA+ youth mental health in Maryland.”
The program will be available to behavioral health care workers, mental health providers, law enforcement, suicide prevention leaders, veteran leaders, university faculty, school personnel, and coaches selected by the department’s Office of Suicide Prevention.
Participants will undergo a two-day intensive training to certify the delivery of the Ally and CARE training for two years. Quarterly updates will provide participants with new information and materials and serve as a check-in to determine the training’s impact.
"Our survey spotlights how adults can demonstrate their support and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ young people. From respecting pronouns to displaying pride flags, adults can take a number of relatively simple yet extremely impactful actions to create an inclusive and affirming environment," said The Trevor Project Director of Public Training Keygan Miller. “Together, let's continue to build a world where every LGBTQIA+ young person feels seen, heard, and valued exactly as they are."
For more information and to apply, visit health.maryland.gov/bha.
