HAVEN-Connect: Church-based suicide prevention for Black youth
A Multi-Generational Suicide Prevention Program in African American Churches
This project will test whether HAVEN-Connect, a church-centered program, can reduce depression and suicide risk in Black adolescents aged 13–19.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | George Washington University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07401940 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
HAVEN-Connect is a multi-component depression and suicide-prevention program delivered through predominantly Black churches, combining church community engagement, a faith-informed curriculum for leaders, and a youth-focused intervention. Investigators will implement HAVEN in 12 churches using a cluster randomized waitlist design and enroll about 240 adolescents aged 13–19, with outcomes measured at 1 and 6 months after the start of the program. The trial will measure changes in depression (primary outcome), suicide risk and other mental health symptoms (secondary outcomes), and will test mediators such as youth bonds to peers/adults, self-regulation, and mental health service use. Investigators will also gather implementation data and qualitative feedback from a subset of churches to identify barriers and facilitators for wider rollout.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black or African American adolescents aged 13–19 who attend a predominantly Black, English-speaking church participating in the study.
Not a fit: Youth who are not Black or African American, are outside the 13–19 age range, or do not attend participating churches are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, HAVEN-Connect could lower depression and suicide risk among Black adolescents and create a scalable, church-based prevention approach.
How similar studies have performed: Previous community- and faith-based mental health programs have shown promising but mixed results, and large randomized tests of church-integrated suicide prevention for Black youth remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For churches: 1. 75% of members self-identify as Black or African American, 2. 75% are fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria for Youth: 1. self-identify as Black/African American, 2. 13-19 years old, are fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: Churches: 1. 25%+ of members self-identify as non-Black or African American 2. 25%+ are not fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria for Youth: 1. do not self-identify as Black/African American, 2. are younger than 13 or older than 19.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York and 1 other locations
- Mt. Sinai Hospital; Ichon School of Medicine — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Rochester Medical Center — Rochester, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sherry D Molock, Ph.D., M.Div. — George Washington University, Dept of Psychological & Brain Sciences
- Study coordinator: Sherry D Molock, Ph.D., M.Div.
- Email: smolock@gwu.edu
- Phone: 13017516217
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.