SCOTLAND: Pharmacists to Receive “Mandatory” Suicide Prevention Training

Chemist+Druggist

Pharmacists in Scotland are required to receive suicide prevention training within the next 10 months. In a plan released in August, the government announced that health care professionals who provide “frontline services” will be trained to identify and assist those at risk for suicide. According to a government spokesperson, community pharmacists can play an important role in spotting people at risk and connecting them with resources and services. The plan also encouraged health care organizations to provide their staff with ongoing mental health training. “Organizations should consider what mental health training is necessary, just as they do for physical health training, as part of the continuing professional development of their staff,” it said. The government plan aims to reduce the country’s suicide rate 20 percent by 2022.

Spark Extra! Read Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan.