Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Georgia Suicide Safer Communities for Youth will focus on youth ages10 to 24 years living in three Georgia counties (Bartow, Newton and Oconee) with youth suicide death rates higher than the national average of 8.02 for the years from 2011-2013. Selected populations of focus will include African American youth, youth suicide attempters, and family members of youth who have been identified with suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. Community assessments in each county will help identify county specific populations of focus. It is estimated that 1,000 will be served annually and 5,000 over the life of the 5-year project.

Strategies/Interventions: Through training, outreach, and implementation of evidence-based practices, the Suicide Safer Communities for Youth project will build infrastructure and increase the suicide specific continuum of care that will result in reductions in the number and rates of suicide deaths and number and rate of non-fatal suicide attempts among youth ages 10-24 in three targeted counties with suicide death rates higher than the national average. A Zero Suicide in Healthcare licensed clinical supervisor will be hired in each county to oversee development and integration of the community and clinical suicide prevention efforts. A Zero Suicide in Healthcare certified peer specialist (ZSH-CPS) in Bartow, Newton, and Oconee counties will integrate the voice of lived experience into ongoing suicide prevention efforts. Proposed evidence-based practices will include Question, Persuade, Refer Gatekeeper Training; Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths-Mental Health; The Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment; Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale; Suicide Safety Plan; Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicide; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention; and DiDi Hirsch Youth Suicide Attempters Group. The Georgia College and University Suicide Prevention Coalition will provide 1) a yearly Suicide Prevention Conference for Colleges and Universities, 2) three additional suicide prevention training opportunities a year and 3) assessment, data collection, tracking and evaluation services for the College Coalition.

Project Goals and Measureable Objectives, including Number to be Enrolled: The Suicide Safer Communities project will be guided by 5 of the 13 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention goals and their objectives, including: Goal 1: Develop, implement, and monitor effective programs that promote wellness and prevent suicide related behaviors. Goal 2: Provide training to 3,500 community and clinical service providers on prevention of suicide and related behaviors. Goal 3: Promote suicide prevention as a core component of health care services. Goal 4: Promote and implement effective clinical and professional practices for assessing and treating 1,500 youth identified as being at risk for suicidal behaviors. Goal 5: Provide care and support to individuals affected by suicide deaths and attempts to promote healing and implement community strategies to help prevent further suicides.