project 22

The Project 22 is built on the proven success of the Caring Letters intervention, a suicide prevention strategy developed by Dr. Jerome Motto in the 1970s. His groundbreaking research demonstrated that regular, non-demanding communication, such as handwritten letters, can significantly reduce suicide rates among individuals at high risk. This simple yet powerful approach offers emotional connection and a sense of care, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.

The effectiveness of caring letters has been supported by multiple studies over decades:

A 50-65% reduction in suicide rates was observed in individuals receiving regular letters compared to those who did not.

The intervention led to a 44% decrease in suicidal ideation and a 48% decrease in suicide attempts in military populations.

These findings highlight the powerful effect of consistent, personal connection in reducing suicide risk, which forms the foundation of Project 22.

At first glance, it might seem like a simple letter couldn’t make a significant difference. Its true power lies in the way it provides consistent care and connection. Dr. Jerome Motto’s research revealed that these ongoing, personal notes have a profound impact on people during vulnerable moments.

Project 22 follows this same model, offering handwritten letters to create meaningful, long-term support. What makes these letters so effective is not just the act of sending them, but how they are designed to foster a sense of genuine connection.

The characteristics of caring letters are carefully crafted to maximize their impact. By keeping the messages short and simple, recipients are not overwhelmed but instead feel seen and cared for.

These notes don’t ask for anything in return, relieving the pressure to respond, and they arrive regularly, maintaining a sense of ongoing connection. Their genuine concern, personal touches, and non-clinical tone make the letters feel more like a message from a caring friend.

This combination of consistency, empathy, and personal attention is what makes these letters so powerful in helping people feel supported and less isolated.

This program is all about building meaningful, long-term connections through a series of 22 letters, offering steady, compassionate support to those who need it most.

Peer Support: Each letter is written by someone who has faced their own struggles, creating a sense of connection and understanding. It’s about showing that none of us are truly alone, and that shared experiences can be a powerful source of strength.

Focus on Continuity: We recognize that the time following a suicide attempt or psychiatric discharge can be especially vulnerable. This program provides ongoing care during those critical periods, helping to prevent relapse and support recovery through continuous, personal engagement.

Emotional Support: The Purple Note Project is here to offer consistent, genuine care. Through regular communication, we make sure that individuals never feel alone as they take each step forward in their recovery.

Suicide Prevention: By staying connected through ongoing, personal letters, we aim to reduce the risk of suicide and remind people that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and support.

Every year, over 700,000 people die by suicide globally, according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S., it’s the second leading cause of death for people ages 10–34. For every death, there are many more who attempt—and countless others who are silently struggling.

Among them are the very people who’ve worn the uniform.

Veterans die by suicide at a rate 57% higher than their civilian peers.

Roughly 17–22 veterans die by suicide every day.

For post-9/11 veterans, the suicide rate is four times higher than the general population.

These numbers tell a heartbreaking story, but they also show exactly why support matters.

When someone is dealing with suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety, isolation can feel like a death sentence. Studies show that connection is one of the strongest protective factors against suicide. Just knowing that someone cares—that they’re not invisible—can be the difference between staying and slipping away.