CHADS Coalition for Mental Health

CHADS (Communities Healing Adolescent Depression and Suicide) was founded after Marian and Larry McCord's 18-year-old son, Chad, died by suicide in 2004.

In April of 2004, Chad McCord, a high-school senior with a bright future, lost his battle with depression and died by suicide. Like so many parents before them, Marian and Larry had fought alongside Chad trying to help him conquer his disease, but found a healthcare system unequipped and often unwilling or unable to help. They were determined to create an organization focused on saving the lives of our youth by increasing awareness, education, and support to address adolescent depression and suicide.

CHADS is a 501(c)(3) organization offering Signs of Suicide®, Family Support, and Social Emotional Well-being programs to advance the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. Aside from providing adolescents and young adults ages 25 and under with counseling services and educational programs, we also serve parents, educators, and community members with resources, presentations, and more to provide a holistic and proactive approach to mental illness and bullying.