Resource Types: Other

The Links between Public Health Crises and Suicide

This literature review looks at suicide risk during periods of isolation (e.g., quarantine) during epidemics, pandemics, or other outbreaks. It also looks at the psychological factors (i.e., risk factors or predictors associated with suicide) that are prevalent during periods of public health crises or large-scale disasters.

Reviewed studies cover severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1 influenza, Ebola virus disease, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and the Spanish influenza outbreaks. Outcomes include suicide, suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, and psychological and other outcomes related to suicide risks, such as despair and hopelessness.

This literature review was last updated in May 2020.

Zero Suicide listserv

The Zero Suicide email discussion list provides a forum for those involved in Zero Suicide to discuss their efforts, engage in peer-to-peer support, and share resources and announcements.

Zero Suicide is a systematic approach to prevent suicide deaths among individuals under care within health and behavioral health systems by addressing fragmentation of care, supporting clinical staff in their work with suicidal patients and closing care/treatment gaps among those patients. 

Suicide lifeguard mobile app

A free mobile app for anyone concerned that someone they know may be thinking about suicide. It provides information on suicide warning signs, how to ask about suicidal thoughts, how to respond, and where to refer the person. It includes resources for specific high-risk populations and direct access to national and Missouri resource websites.

KnowBullying: Put the power to prevent bullying in your hand

Bullying is a risk factors for suicide ideation, suicidal behavior and suicide. This mobile app provides guidance to parents, caregivers and educators for discussing bullying with children.  It describes strategies to prevent bullying and explains how to recognize warning signs that a child is bullying, witnessing bullying, or being bullied.

Suicide prevention for LGBTQ2-S discussion list

This is a public listserv to share research, resources and other information, as well as pose questions, related to the area of suicide prevention among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2-S) individuals.  The listserv was initiated at the SAMHSA  2014 GLS grantee meeting by representatives from several states participating in an affinity group session titled “Sharing Lessons from Grantees’ LGBTQ2-S Suicide Prevention Efforts”.

Assessing suicide risk: Initial tips for counselors

This wallet-sized card describes a brief assessment process to determine if a client may be suicidal and how to respond. Includes the Lifeline phone number. Look under “Wallet Cards for Counselors” for .pdf and customizable copies.

JedCampus

The JED Campus Program (Campus Program) is a nationwide initiative of The Jed Foundation (JED) designed to guide schools through a collaborative process of comprehensive systems, program and policy development with customized support to build on existing student mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention efforts.

By becoming a member of the Campus Program, a school demonstrates a commitment to the emotional well-being of its students. Campus Program schools embark on a multi-year strategic partnership with JED that not only assesses and enhances the work that is already being done, but helps create positive, lasting, systemic change in the campus community.

Over the course of their participation in the program, Campus Program schools receive:

  • Support in the development of an interdisciplinary, campus-wide team that includes senior leadership to steer this work at their university
  • An in-depth, confidential survey, at the beginning of the program and then again after three years, assessing mental health promotion and substance abuse and suicide prevention efforts
  • Customized feedback reports created by JED’s clinical team after each survey identifying successes and opportunities for enhancement.
  • An onsite meeting with a JED expert to develop a strategic plan tailored to a school’s individual needs that will serve as a roadmap to implement enhancements over the course of the program
  • Ongoing support from a dedicated Campus Manager who provides consultation, guidance and resources to help each school achieve its goals
  • Membership in a nationwide Learning Community – a network of Campus Program schools that share advice and experiences as well as presentations/discussions on specific topics of interest that emerge from JED’s work with Campus Program schools
  • The JED Campus Program membership seal to signify the school’s commitment to student mental health

The cost of the program for each participating school is $6,000 for the four-year commitment, plus the cost of travel for a Campus Program clinician to visit your school.

Today, schools representing more than one million students are engaged in a process of robust assessment and enhancement of their mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention policies, systems and programs through their membership in the Campus Program.

The fee, which represents half of the cost to JED to administer the program, is payable upon registration and is non-refundable

Preventing firearm injury and death

This webpage features collected resources related to prevention strategies addressing firearm injuries.  Includes position statements and federal papers, as well as evidence-based strategies, mental health and preparedness resources, and academic research on preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths. The webpage contains a section on the types of laws being introduced in states to assist state health agencies and others in understanding national trends and emerging issues surrounding firearms.