Recent medical school graduate Alexander Au presented a global mental health app at the United Nation’s 68th Civil Society Conference. “The aim of this mobile app is not only to diagnose and manage mental health, but improve methods to better understand suicide,” Au said.

During his presentations, Au heard stories from attendees about the issue of suicide in many parts of the world. “It truly helped me understand that mental health affects everyone and suicide is widespread across all cultures.”

Au developed an earlier app, MoodPal, while a student at the U, working with suicidologist Douglas Gray, and won the 2017 Bench to Bedside EAE award. Earlier, while an undergraduate, Au started a UNICEF chapter at the University of Utah.

“Utah is such a great place for something like this to emerge,” Au said. “We are fortunate to have resources focused on addressing the issue of suicide, but more support is needed. I see an opportunity to emerge as a world leader and innovate for purpose.”