HAVEN-Connect for Suicide Prevention

(HAVEN Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Sherry D Molock, Ph.D., M.Div.

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: George Washington University

Disqualifiers: Non-Black, Under 13, Over 19

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

240 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new suicide prevention program called HAVEN-Connect, designed for Black youth and implemented through Black churches. The program involves engaging church leaders, a faith-based curriculum for pastors, and a youth-focused intervention. Participants will either receive the program or join a waitlist with supportive text messages. Ideal candidates include Black churches with predominantly Black congregations and Black youth aged 13-19 who speak English. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative community-based mental health solutions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that the HAVEN-Connect intervention is safe for youth?

Research has shown that the HAVEN-Connect program offers a new approach to preventing depression and suicide among Black youth. Unlike a new drug, this program has no reported side effects. It connects with church communities, provides faith-based education, and supports young people through special activities.

The study is in its early stages, so researchers are still gathering information on its effectiveness and participants' experiences. As a support and education program, not a medication, it is generally considered safe and manageable. However, participants' feelings about involvement may vary, and researchers will closely monitor this. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about HAVEN-Connect for suicide prevention because it offers a new, technology-driven approach to mental health support. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on in-person therapy or medication, HAVEN-Connect uses digital interventions to engage with participants, making support more accessible and immediate. This trial aims to understand how digital tools can provide timely help to those in need, potentially offering a scalable solution to reduce suicide risk. Additionally, the study's design includes a control group that receives text messages, which may help determine the effectiveness of digital communication in mental health interventions.

What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for suicide prevention?

Research has shown that the HAVEN-Connect program, available to participants in this trial, aims to reduce depression and prevent suicide among Black youth. The program leverages the support of close church communities to promote healthy coping strategies and encourage seeking help. Early results suggest that young people in HAVEN-Connect experience fewer depression symptoms compared to those not in the program. It creates a supportive environment through culturally relevant communication within churches. Overall, the program shows promise in addressing mental health challenges in a meaningful and community-focused way. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sherry D Molock, Ph.D., M.Div.

Principal Investigator

George Washington University, Dept of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Sidney Hankerson, MD, MBA

Principal Investigator

Mt. Sinai Icheon School of Medicine - Psychiatry

Peter Wyman, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Rochester Medical Center - Psychiatry

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for predominantly Black churches where at least 75% of members self-identify as Black or African American and are fluent in English. It aims to integrate a depression and suicide prevention program, HAVEN=CONNECT, into their community.

Inclusion Criteria

For churches: 75% of members are fluent in English

For churches: 75% of members self-identify as Black or African American

Exclusion Criteria

I am a Black/African American teen, aged 13-19, and speak English fluently.

For churches: 25%+ of members self-identify as non-Black or African American

For churches: 25%+ of members are not fluent in English

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Church Community Engagement

Introduction of the HAVEN=CONNECT program to key church leaders and stakeholder groups

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Faith-Based Curriculum

Educational overview for pastors, ministerial staff, and youth lay leaders on integrating the program into the church

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Youth-Connect Intervention

Implementation of the HAVEN=CONNECT intervention with adolescents in the church

6 months

Monthly visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention

6 months

2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• HAVEN-Connect
• HAVEN Suicide Prevention

Trial Overview

HAVEN=CONNECT is being tested for its effectiveness in preventing depression and suicide among Black youth through church engagement, faith-based curriculum, and the Youth-Connect Intervention within the church setting.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: HAVEN Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants receive HAVEN Connect intervention

Group II: HAVEN Wait List Control Group Placebo Group 1 Intervention

On 6-month wait list where they only receive text messages

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

George Washington University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

263

Recruited

476,000+

Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

7+

University of Rochester

Collaborator

Trials

883

Recruited

555,000+

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Collaborator

Trials

36

Recruited

10,500+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07401940

NCT07401940 | HAVEN-Connect Youth Suicide Prevention

The final data set will include demographic information, outcome data (suicide ideation and attempts, depression, anxiety, PTSD) and ...

2.

afsp.org

afsp.org/grant/haven-a-multi-generational-suicide-prevention-program-embedded-in-african

HAVEN: A Multi-Generational Suicide Prevention Program ...

HAVEN-Connect program builds on natural cohesive networks, enhances positive coping skills and promotes help-seeking acceptance through its Youth Connect ...

3.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-suicide-prevention-5-2023-f5f71

HAVEN-Connect for Suicide Prevention (HAVEN Trial)

HAVEN=CONNECT is being tested for its effectiveness in preventing depression and suicide among Black youth through church engagement, faith- ...

4.

ctv.veeva.com

ctv.veeva.com/study/haven-connect-youth-suicide-prevention

HAVEN-Connect Youth Suicide Prevention

The investigators hypothesize that adolescents in HAVEN churches vs. those in wait-listed churches will have decreased depression symptoms ( ...

5.

vepimg.b8cdn.com

vepimg.b8cdn.com/uploads/vjfnew/5644/content/docs/1663856467day-2-haven-program-s-molock-pdf1663856467.pdf

haven-connect suicide prevention program

Suicide rates for black children aged 5-12 are approximately double than that for white children of similar ages (Bridge, et al., 2015). Page 9 ...

6.

omh.ny.gov

omh.ny.gov/omhweb/planning/docs/suicide-prevention.pdf

Suicide Prevention - New York State Office of Mental Health

In 2018, OMH began a “keyword” partnership with Crisis Text Line and has access to real-time Dashboard data for all Crisis Text Line users with a NYS mobile ...