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Katie Gallant

Research Scientist
Katie is dedicated to advancing behavioral health and suicide prevention through evidence-based strategies and systems-level change.

With over eight years of experience, Katie brings expertise in training development, technical assistance, mixed-methods evaluation design, and resource development. Drawing on her macro social work background, she emphasizes systems thinking and the integration of lived experience to ensure programming meets the needs of diverse populations.

Katie leads the clinical implementation and evaluation of two federal suicide prevention grants in North Dakota. She supports clinical and community-based settings in adopting evidence-based models, such as Zero Suicide and Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). She is currently developing and facilitating a statewide learning community for rural and indigenous providers. 

As qualitative evaluation lead for projects with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Suicide Prevention Research Center (SPRC), the Jed Foundation (JED), the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), and county mental health departments, Katie translates findings into actionable recommendations for policy and program improvement. She has co-authored peer-reviewed publications on suicide prevention, rural behavioral health stigma, the intersection of suicide and substance use, and peer-based mental health programming. 

Before joining NORC, Katie held key roles in suicide prevention initiatives across New York and Rhode Island, supporting health care and higher education systems and developing an undergraduate suicide prevention curriculum. Her leadership extends to coalition-building, serving as vice chair of the Central Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Coalition and as a member of the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Executive Council. 

Education

MSW

Boston University

BA

Providence College

Appointments & Affiliations

Vice Chair

Central Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Coalition

Council Member

Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Executive Committee

Project Contributions

Suicide Prevention Resource Guides to Support LGBTQIA2S+ Youth

Advancing a strengths-based approach to suicide prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ youth through resource and focus guides

Client:

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

ND HOPES Suicide Prevention Initiative

Implementing a multi-tiered approach to suicide prevention in western North Dakota

Client:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Assessment of JED Campus Approach to Suicide Prevention

Recommendations for enhancing implementation of the nation’s leading college suicide prevention program

Client:

JED Foundation

ND THRIVES: North Dakota Rural and Tribal Suicide Care Initiative

Implementing community-based suicide prevention program for youth in north-central and northeastern North Dakota

Funder:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Coalition Needs for Community-Based Suicide Prevention

The nation’s first in-depth assessment of the needs and assets of suicide prevention coalitions

Client:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Suicide Prevention Resource Center

NAMI on Campus

First ever evaluation of this peer-led mental health program

Client:

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Genesee & Orleans County Behavioral Health Needs Assessment

Exploring community and professional perspectives on substance use, overdose, mental health, and suicide in rural New York

Client:

Genesee County Department of Mental Health and Orleans County Mental Health Department

NAMI Support Groups Evaluation

Evaluating peer-led support groups for individuals with mental health conditions and their loved ones .

Client:

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Social Prescribing for Older Adults in Rural Areas

Piloting an expansion of SBIRT that adds community connection for older adults in upstate New York

Client:

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation