Your Journey to Safer and More Effective Suicide Prevention and Care

In this course, Dr. Julie Goldstein Grumet, Ph.D, Director, Zero Suicide Institute, explains what the necessary components are for effective suicide prevention. Citing the statistic that 54% of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition, Grumet highlights the importance of getting all community stakeholders on board, achieving a comprehensive, interwoven approach that extends beyond mental health service providers to the whole community. She elaborates the components of such an approach, which include: (1) identifying and assisting those at risk; (2) increasing help-seeking; (3) ensuring access to effective mental health treatment; (4) supporting safe care transition; (5) responding effectively to individuals in crisis; and (6) reducing access to means of suicide. Strategic planning is essential, as is following the guiding principles which underpin success. The seven elements of Zero Suicide are listed, and Dr Grumet underscores why evaluation is important. She describes some of the tools, resources, and websites that are available for those getting started or enlarging their efforts. The talk finishes with a question and answer session.