Iowa State Department of Public Health

Abstract: Every 20 hours a person dies by suicide in Iowa. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 25-44 year-olds exceeded only by unintentional injury. Iowa has taken steps to implement effective suicide prevention strategies through previous funding opportunities and existing partnerships like the Iowa Suicide Prevention Planning Group. The Zero Suicide process will create suicide safe organizations across Iowa that will be better positioned to support clients at risk for suicide in a safe and least restrictive manner. The overall project goal is to improve the care and outcomes of individuals ages 25 years and older at risk for suicide, with the following specific project goals: Goal 1: Increase awareness of the risk for suicide among Iowa’s substance use disorder treatment population and treatment options. Goal 2: Enhance and expand the screening, treatment, and referral process for adults at risk for suicide. Suicide Iowa will begin with hiring key staff and introducing the 23 IDPH-funded substance use disorder treatment providers to the Zero Suicide model. At the same time, work will begin with Foundation 2 to develop a plan for technical assistance and follow-up services, and planning for the rollout of ASIST trainings. The Zero Suicide Academy will be held for approximately half of the IDPH-funded providers during the second project year with a Community of Practice following, with the other half participating in an Academy during project year 4. ASIST will be held for all providers during the first project year, and then offered annually to additional provider staff. The project proposes to serve the following number of Iowans over the five years of the project:

• 85,000 people receiving substance use disorder treatment services will be screened for suicide risk, be linked to VA services (when applicable), and receive improved suicide safe services; and
• 7,700 SUD treatment clients will receive enhanced follow-up care and transition services as they transition out of inpatient SUD treatment.