Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2026 Nominee
Innovative Practice and Research LiFE Award
The Innovative Practice and Research LiFE Award recognises outstanding contributions in the field of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention through innovation and research. It acknowledges research that enhances our understanding of effective strategies, including responses to recent events affecting mental health, as well as individuals or groups who have developed novel and unique approaches to suicide prevention.
Adriana Nevarez Flores
Dr Nevarez Flores’s work exemplifies innovation in both practice and research. She led the Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation (TCMHSI) team in the design and implementation of Tasmania’s first Evaluation Framework for the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023–2027. Her evidence-based approach created a robust system for monitoring and improving suicide prevention and intervention initiatives across the state. Her work bridges research, policy, and practice, strengthening suicide prevention efforts and informing public health strategies nationally and globally.
Drawing on global models and local context, Dr Nevarez Flores adopted a unique approach, connecting real-world experiences, data, and outcomes. Her vision was to create a tool that could guide decision-makers, clinicians, and communities in shaping more effective and compassionate responses. This initiative contributed to the evolution of Tasmania’s suicide prevention strategy with insight and accountability.
Collaboration is at the heart of Dr Nevarez Flores’s work. She has built strong partnerships across government, academia, health services, and the community. Her framework engaged consumers, clinicians, policy leaders, and people with lived experience to co-design and review evaluation methods. This inclusive process recognised that effective suicide prevention must be informed by those it aims to help.
This partnership approach created a statewide network of collaboration, empowering local voices and ensuring findings could be translated into action. The framework now serves as a shared foundation for coordinated, multi-agency suicide prevention efforts.
Her innovative approach has transformed how suicide prevention is measured and managed, providing a model to save lives and strengthen communities.
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