The American Association of Suicidology (AAS), in collaboration with the QPR Institute, today announced that submissions are open for the 2026 Paul G. Quinnett Lived Experience Writing Competition. Since 2015, the competition has invited individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts or attempts to share their stories through personal essays reflecting on hope, healing, and recovery.

The competition is open to individuals of all backgrounds, identities, communities, and experiences. Every individual who submits an eligible essay will receive complimentary access to one QPR Pathfinder Training course of their choice, an advanced, self-paced suicide prevention training designed to strengthen practical skills and confidence in recognizing and responding to suicide risk.

The top three essays will also be recognized with cash awards of $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. Winners will be honored during the AAS Annual Conference, April 11–15, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, where they will be invited to join AAS and QPR Institute leadership on stage to accept their award and share brief remarks.

The 2025 competition honored three outstanding authors: Katalina Gille for “The Falcon, the Sea-Glass, the Dog, and…Santa Claus?”; Carrie Badillo for “Tomorrow Will Be the Day I Die”; and Dan Fendley for “When Silence Nearly Killed Me.”

Submissions close October 1, 2026, at 4:59 PM (EST). Full eligibility requirements, formatting guidelines, and judging criteria are available at suicidology.org/conference/writing-competition.