As we begin 2026, the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas is stepping into a year defined by visibility, visibility of our mission, our resources, and the powerful impact open conversation has on suicide awareness across our community.
Leading this next chapter is our new Executive Director, Lavida Davison, whose compassion, lived experience, and strategic leadership are already shaping what lies ahead.
Leadership Rooted in Experience and Purpose
Lavida brings over twenty years of experience in counseling, nonprofit service, and mental health education. Her journey with the Texas Crisis Center began through the Teens Can Survive program, where she guided staff in youth suicide prevention, education, and mental health screenings across North Texas schools.
She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and has long been dedicated to promoting emotional safety, resilience, and hope for youth and families.
Her leadership is deeply personal. After losing her nephew to suicide, Lavida turned heartbreak into purpose, using her experience to help others find their voice and move toward healing. She believes every life, every story, and every conversation matters.
A Vision Centered on Visibility and Suicide Awareness
As Executive Director, Lavida is focused on making 2026 a year of renewed connection and growth. Her vision centers on four key areas of visibility that strengthen suicide awareness and access to care:
- Visibility of our organization
Ensuring more people know who we are, what we do, and how to reach help through our depression hotline and programs at the Texas Crisis Center.
- Visibility of suicide and mental health conversations
Continuing to challenge stigma and encourage honest dialogue about suicide awareness and mental health across all ages and backgrounds.
- Visibility of resources
Expanding outreach so youth, adults, and families across Texas know where to find immediate support, including the depression hotline and other crisis services.
- Visibility of impact
Sharing stories of healing, hope, and the daily work happening through our volunteers, staff, and community partners.
Building Stronger Connections Across North Texas
Lavida’s early priorities include refreshing SCC’s newsletter and email communication, sampling content on TikTok to reach younger audiences, strengthening relationships throughout the region, and developing new partnerships that expand suicide prevention education across diverse communities.
Her approach combines heart and strategy. She listens deeply, acts boldly, and believes lasting change grows from trust, built one relationship at a time.
Moving Forward Together
As we move through 2026, our vision is clear: to make the unseen seen, to bring conversations about suicide and mental health into the light, and to ensure no one in North Texas ever faces a crisis alone.
If you or someone you love needs support, our crisis hotline is available 24/7 at (214) 828-1000.
And if you know a school, business, faith community, or local group that shares our commitment to emotional safety and suicide awareness, we would be grateful for an introduction. Strong partnerships start with connection, and together, we can reach even more people who need support.