National Suicide Prevention Week

Source: https://www.hrsa.gov/feature/suicidepreventionweek.html

September 10-16, 2017

Approximately 45% of suicide victims had contact with primary care providers within 1 month of suicide. Grantees want and need to know where to turn for trusted resources, training materials for their workforce, and information for the patients they serve. Here are some resources, including 24-hour crisis lines and technical assistance materials:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline provides free, confidential emotional support and referrals to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (SAMHSA-funded).
• Veterans Crisis Line  1-800-273-TALK (8255) Press 1. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential emotional support and referrals to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (SAMHSA-funded).
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)  SPRC is the nation’s only federally supported resource center devoted to advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. SPRC provides technical assistance, training, and materials to increase the knowledge and expertise of professionals serving people at risk for suicide (SAMHSA-funded). Find out what’s going on in your state and consider ways to join with partners to have a greater impact on the States’ page .
• Suicide Safe SAMHSA’s free suicide prevention app helps health care providers integrate suicide prevention strategies into their practice and address suicide risk among their patients. It includes patient and provider educational materials, a treatment locator, sample interactive cases, and conversation starters.
• HHS Stop Bullying Now Campaign Information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.
• HRSA Poison Control Center Program Useful information for individuals and families; a listing of all 50 state Poison Control Hotline numbers and contact information.
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention  This public-private partnership advances the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention by championing suicide prevention as a national priority and catalyzing efforts to implement high-priority objectives of the National Strategy. Among the resources it has developed that may be of interest to HRSA grantees: A Managers Guide to Suicide Postvention in the Workplace: 10 Action Steps for Dealing with the Aftermath of Suicide  (PDF – 2.6 MB); and Suicide Prevention and the Clinical Workforce: Guidelines for Training  (PDF – 1.7 MB).
• Zero Suicide  is a set of tools and strategies for health and behavioral health care systems that aims to improve care and outcomes for individuals at risk of suicide. It represents a commitment to patient safety—the most fundamental responsibility of health care—and also to the safety and support of clinical staff who do the demanding work of treating and supporting suicidal patients.
• SAMHSA/HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions promotes the development of integrated primary and behavioral health services to better address the needs of individuals with mental health and substance use conditions, whether seen in specialty behavioral health or primary care provider settings. The website includes resources and training on suicide prevention within the framework of integrated behavioral health/primary care.

Take 5 to Save Lives

September 10, 2016 is World Suicide Prevention Day and SAVE is asking everyone to Take 5 to Save Lives! Take 5 To Save Lives is a public awareness campaign started and run by the National Council for Suicide Prevention to increase participation in World Suicide Prevention Day. By giving people the tools necessary to help save more lives, we hope to end the tragedy of suicide. What does it mean to Take 5 to Save Lives? Check out www.take5tosavelives.org to learn 5 steps you can take and in just 5 minutes! The steps include:

1. LEARN THE SIGNS. An expert-consensus list of warning signs was created to help people identify someone who may be in suicidal crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Learn the warning signs of suicide and other suicide prevention preparedness so you can help save more lives.
2. JOIN THE MOVEMENT. Just like other important causes, suicide prevention needs your voice. Add yours by joining the Take 5 social media pages and engaging in the conversation.
3. SPREAD THE WORD. One great way to end stigma is to talk about suicide prevention and share real life stories of living with depression,other mental illnesses and suicidal thoughts. We challenge you to share the Take 5 campaign with at least 5 other people!
4. SUPPORT A FRIEND. Knowing what to do when you are concerned about a friend who might be thinking about suicide is vital. The most important thing you can do is ASK. Learn the best ways to approach a friend who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
5. REACH OUT FOR HELP. There are many resources for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or a suicidal crisis. Know where to turn to if you or someone you know needs help.

There are two things we want you to know about this important issue and World Suicide Prevention Day. (1.) Healing, help and hope happens. (2.) We all have a role in preventing suicide. By sharing this message, your stories of hope and recovery, and by taking 5 minutes to learn about suicide, you will be making a difference in the world! Visit the Take 5 Toolkit on the website for more information on how you can support and share the Take 5 campaign.

Source:  https://save.org/blog/world-suicide-prevention-day-2016/