Ryan Lindsay, professor of practice at the Brown School, has received the Missouri Suicide Prevention Innovation Award for his work advancing suicide prevention efforts across the state.
The award recognizes individuals and organizations using innovative, community-based approaches to reduce suicide rates statewide. Lindsay is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience in mental health and suicide prevention. He was nominated by Naomi Warren, a social worker in the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District and a Brown School alumna (MSW/JD ’08).
“I am deeply privileged and humbled by this recognition,” Lindsay said. “I’d like to thank Naomi for nominating me in recognition of the many hours I spend in the community providing support to schools, organizations, systems, and especially the individual providers I have the privilege of collaborating with.”
Lindsay received the award on July 17 at the Missouri Suicide Prevention Network’s annual conference in Columbia, Mo.
Lindsay founded the Hope Policy Academy, which brings together school-based stakeholders to promote suicide prevention in educational settings. He also serves on the leadership team of the St. Louis Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition, supporting strategy, training, and collaboration across systems and providers.
At the Brown School, Lindsay chairs the mental health concentration in the Master of Social Work program, where he teaches and mentors students pursuing careers in behavioral health. He has led collaborative training initiatives aimed at strengthening the provider workforce in evidence-based suicide prevention practices. His research covers diverse populations, from adolescents to construction workers, emphasizing culturally responsive and community-driven approaches.
Suicide continues to be a serious public health issue. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., with more than 49,000 deaths reported in 2023. Missouri’s suicide rate stands at 18.7 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 14.04, underscoring the urgency of continued prevention efforts.