North Dakota family leads fight against youth suicide

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

FARGO — Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in North Dakota aged 10 to 24, a sobering statistic The 463 Foundation is determined to change.

The foundation, created by Todd and Elizabeth Medd after losing their son Liam to suicide in 2021, hosted a suicide prevention night at Discovery Middle School on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The event emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and reducing stigma.

“Our goal is to make sure that one person hears the right message or the message at the right time,” said Todd Medd, co-founder of the foundation. “With that message, they can either use it for themselves or share it with others as well.”

The Medd family spoke to students and parents about warning signs such as self-segregation or sudden behavioral changes and highlighted studies showing teen suicides can often be impulsive, with 25% of cases occurring within five minutes of the first thought.

Todd Medd emphasized the power of open dialogue. “Vulnerability breeds vulnerability,” he said. “When you share your challenges, it opens the door for deeper conversations with your kids.”

The 463 Foundation will continue its efforts to spread hope and awareness, including its fourth annual baseball tournament in June to support Fargo youth baseball and promote its mission.