EDC Welcomes Leading Suicide Prevention Expert Dr. Richard McKeon
Dr. Richard McKeon joins EDC as the Deputy Director of Strategy for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance). A long-time national and international leader in suicide prevention, Dr. McKeon is the 2023 recipient of the American Association for Suicidology’s Dublin Award for Lifetime Achievement in Suicide Prevention.
Dr. McKeon worked at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for 22 years, including serving for 12 years as Chief for the Suicide Prevention Branch and more recently a senior advisor supporting the launch and growth of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. During these years, he made groundbreaking contributions to the field including developing the Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention grant program, the Campus Suicide Prevention program, Zero Suicide grants, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and the Native Connections program.
Since 2005, Dr. McKeon has worked with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, including establishing the foundation for what became the 988 Lifeline, the nation’s 3-digit hotline offering one-on-one mental health, suicide, and substance use-related support and resources 24/7 via call, text, or chat.
As Deputy Director of Strategy for the Action Alliance, Dr. McKeon is continuing his long and strong history with the nation’s public-private partnership for suicide prevention. In 2010, he was instrumental in establishing the Action Alliance and has served on multiple Action Alliance Advisory Groups and Task Forces. In 2012 and 2024 he was a member of the leadership groups that developed the U.S. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention which the Action Alliance works with over 250 public and private sector partners to advance.
“We are honored that Dr. McKeon has joined us to play an even greater role in the Action Alliance’s vital work,” said Cindy Taylor, EDC Senior Vice President and Director of Programs. “His dedication and contributions to preventing suicide are unequalled.”
“Over 15 years ago Dr. McKeon was central to the Action Alliance’s launch, and he has been a pivotal force in its progress ever since,” said Colleen Carr, Action Alliance Director. “It is an honor to work even more closely with him to advance high-priority areas of the National Strategy.”
We invite you to learn about our Suicide, Addictions, & Violence Prevention and Mental Health & Wellbeing initiatives.
