Block image Step 2: Choose Long-Term Goals

In Step 1 of the strategic planning process, you used data and other information to help you better understand and describe the problem of suicide and its context in your state or community. In Step 2, you will use this information to identify realistic long-term goals.

A long-term goal is a broad statement that indicates your expectations of what should happen as a result of your suicide prevention activities. Well-written long-term goals should identify a specific group of people, a specific risk factor, or a specific circumstance or setting where you expect to see change.

Goals should be identified before selecting your prevention activities. You need to know where you want to go (your goals) before deciding how you will get there (your activities). Your goals will help you determine which specific activities to select.

For more information about Step 2 and to see it applied in a case study, visit SPRC’s online course A Strategic Planning Approach to Suicide Prevention.

How to Choose Long-Term Goals

Choose your long-term goals carefully. The following represent important criteria to consider in your selection process:

Deciding on a limited number of long-term goals can be challenging. Decisions about long-term goals should be made with input from local experts representing a variety of sectors, including those who can help implement suicide prevention activities and those who may benefit from the activities selected.

References

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Healthy People 2020. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/