Suicide Prevention for Adult & Pediatric Behavioral Health Providers

Tuesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Suicide is a growing public health concern in Illinois. While the suicide rate in Illinois is lower than the national rate, it is still a mounting concern as the eleventh leading cause of death in the state (IDPH).  As noted in the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan (IDPH, 2021), there are a variety of “cultural communities” that define higher suicide risk, this includes age (youth, middle-aged men, older adults); military service members, veterans, and their families; groups facing discrimination due to race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, religion, or disability; individuals with chronic disease or chronic pain; individuals with mental health conditions or substance use disorders;  survivors of a suicide attempt; individuals that lost a loved one due to suicide; and victims of trauma. Among young adults ages 15 to 36, suicide became the third leading cause of death in Illinois. Between 2009 and 2020, the rate of deaths due to intentional self-harm had increased for young adults (CDC WONDER, 2020). Certain subpopulation experience high rates of suicidal ideation. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among men in Illinois (IDPH). Men are also four times more likely to die from suicide than women (IDPH). Some research suggest that this increase is due to the more lethal means used such as firearms (Russell & Judd 1999).

This series aims to train behavioral health providers in implementing evidence-based, patient-centered best practices for assessing suicide risk and providing appropriate treatment based on the risk assessment. ECHO sessions will be comprised of a short didactic and role-play simulation (20-25 minutes), followed by at least 2 participant-led case presentations (35-40 minutes).

Topics for Case-Based Learning and Discussion Include:

• Suicide Epidemiology
• Zero Suicide model
• Secondary Stress & Trauma
• Screening Part 1
• Screening Part 2 – C-SSRS
• Standard Assessment
• Assessment for Special Populations
• Safety Planning & Lethal means safety
• Medication Treatment
• Referral and Follow-Up (system centered)
• Patient After-care and Transitions in care