Suicide Prevention Zero Suicide training offered to local health professionals Core belief of program is that suicide is preventable
Portsmouth HeraldOct 15, 2017
EXETER - As part of the continuing commitment to prevent suicide, the administration of
The Zero Suicide model has received international recognition for reducing suicide deaths by integrating mental health, addiction and physical health services.
Zero Suicide is endorsed as part of the
Recent studies have shown that the majority of people contemplating suicide had recent visits with their primary care providers, not necessarily for mental health issues. One study published by the
- 70 percent of individuals who die by suicide visited their primary care providers within one year of their death.
- 45 percent visited within 30 days of their death.
- 18 percent of elderly visited on the same day as their death.
The Zero Suicide training will be facilitated by
"We provide a bundle of evidence-based approaches that when delivered in a bundle become an effective tool to manage cases where suicidal thoughts are suspected," said
So,
"They think great, they will get help," said
"As health and behavioral care providers we play a major role in preventing suicide and encourage those interested in implementing the Zero Suicide framework to join us in this important initiative," said
The core belief of Zero Suicide is that suicide deaths for individuals under care within health and behavioral health systems are preventable. The evidence-based approach of Zero Suicide is based on the realization that suicidal individuals often fall through the cracks in a sometimes fragmented and distracted health care system.
1 Lead: Create a leadership-driven, safety-oriented culture committed to dramatically reducing suicide among people under care. Include suicide attempt and loss survivors in leadership and planning roles.
2 Train: Develop a competent, confident, and caring workforce.
3 Identify: Systematically identify and assess suicide risk among people receiving care.
4 Engage: Ensure every person has a suicide care management plan, or pathway to care, that is both timely and adequate to meet his or her needs. Include collaborative safety planning and restriction of lethal means.
5 Treat: Use effective, evidence-based treatments that directly target suicide.
6 Transition: Provide continuous contact and support, especially after acute care.
7 Improve: Apply a data-driven quality improvement approach to inform system changes that will lead to improved patient outcomes and better care for those at risk.
Vasapolli said a systematic approach to implementing suicide prevention is both available and necessary. She said Zero Suicide provides the tools for a system-wide approach to improve patient outcomes.
For information on the upcoming Zero Suicide training, contact
For information, visit www.zerosuicide.com, or email zerosuicide@edc.org, and at www.zerosuicideinstitute.com.