CODE RED Universal Safety Planning Intervention

University of Kentucky

Program Type

Education or Training Program

Cost

$2,501 or more

Evidence Type

Empirically-Defined Evidence

SPRC Comprehensive Approach

Life Skills and Resilience

approved What is this?
Program or Intervention Summary

Created by Dr. Julie Cerel at the University of Kentucky, CODE RED is a universal safety planning program in which people make their own safety plan before they are suicidal or in crisis.

CODE RED uses evidence‑based strategies to help people feel grounded, safe, and supported with the ultimate goal of reducing suicide risk and preventing suicide. CODE RED can be delivered in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, community and faith‑based organizations, and is appropriate for both adults and youth (12+). During a CODE RED session, individuals build their own step-by-step safety plan, which is practical, easy to follow, and tailored to what helps them feel grounded, safe, and supported. These plans are oriented around four essential areas: COntact, DElay, RElax, and Distract. It also includes 988 education to help individuals understand that 988 is available to anyone who feels in crisis.

CODE RED is based on the idea that everyone, not just those deemed “at-risk,” should have a safety plan in place for their “worst day” before it occurs. CODE RED can be thought of as similar to having a safety plan in anticipation of an emergency such as a fire (i.e., drill plan) or severe storm (i.e., duck and cover). However, in this case, the emergency is a personal mental health crisis, which could happen to anyone. CODE RED delivery takes about an hour and includes education and facilitated support to help individuals create personalized safety plans in which they identify helpful “COntacts,” reasons to “DElay” decisions, and means to “RElax” and “Distract” from their crisis and/or suicidal thoughts before they occur.

Type Education or Training Program
Setting In-person, PK-12 School
Audience Women, Men
Languages English
Study Method Quantitative Design
Study Type Descriptive (cross-sectional), Correlational or survey
Implementer Requirement Adults, Teens, No Specific Individual or Group
Training Requirement Yes
Delivery Options In-Person
Risk and Protective Factors Stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness, Effective coping and problem-solving skills, Reasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets, etc.), Support from partners, friends, and family, Feeling connected to others

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