Zero Suicide: A Collaborative Solution to a Public Health Problem

Body of Abstract: Suicide is a significant public health problem that impacts individuals, families and communities. Effectively addressing suicide takes a public health approach. This session will explore the many ways that communities can work collaboratively within the Zero Suicide framework to support safer suicide care for all and achieve substantial reductions in deaths by suicide. Highlighting examples from Montgomery County, Ohio and Kentucky, we explore community efforts to support Zero Suicide implementation and strategies that span prevention, intervention and postvention.

Prevention

In a Zero Suicide approach, transforming systems for safer suicide care often requires a shift in culture - normalizing conversations about suicide among the individuals served, as well as among staff. In the context of the Lead and Train elements, organizations work to communicate the belief that suicide can be prevented and train all staff on topics and interventions appropriate for their role. When systems work collaboratively with community partners, these efforts extend beyond the organization to help promote shared language and build community capacity to identify individuals with suicide risk. Examples may include education and awareness campaigns that reduce stigma, and initiatives that promote protective factors and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

From a prevention perspective, the early identification of suicide ideation is critical to saving lives. However, not all systems have the capacity to assess suicide risk. For example, a student may disclose suicide ideation to a school counselor or a pastor may be counseling someone with suicide risk. In both cases, the counselor may not have the capacity or training to conduct a clinical risk assessment and provide suicide-specific interventions. Zero Suicide organizations are important partners in suicide safer care helping to fill the gaps and promote safety. This session will explore real world examples of collaborations that support community prevention initiatives, shared opportunities for training, and timely referrals.

Intervention

By adopting the Zero Suicide framework, systems commit to collaborative safety planning and lethal means counseling. In addition, and when indicated, they establish comprehensive care pathways delivering suicide-specific treatment and supportive care transitions. Sometimes, these care pathways involve partnerships to help deliver safer suicide care. It might be telehealth partners that deliver suicide-specific treatment or peer service organizations that support individuals during time of transition between levels of care. The most effective partnerships include clear expectations and workflows, two-way communication and data sharing. Furthermore, intentionally selecting community
partnerships that represent the diverse identities of individuals in the community helps organizations better meet the needs, preferences and cultures of the people they serve.



Postvention

Postvention, or the support provided after a suicide attempt or death, is a critical component of the Zero Suicide model. A death by suicide has a ripple effect in communities impacting those grieving the loss, as well as increasing risk for individuals already vulnerable to suicide. Postvention strategies serve two purposes: to promote healing and reduce risk. Community collaborations play a vital role in postvention efforts by enhancing the network of caregivers that can facilitate healing and promote resilience.

Conclusion

By fostering partnerships among healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals, we can create a more effective, culturally responsive, and holistic approach to suicide prevention. As communities work towards eliminating suicide as a public health issue, the emphasis must remain on collaborations that are grounded in evidence-based practices and continuous quality improvement. The Zero Suicide provides a data-driven framework that aligns nicely with a public health approach.