FLORIDA: UCF, AdventHealth Partner to Identify Suicide Risk of ER Patients

Orlando Sentinel

A Florida hospital is screening its adult emergency department patients for suicide risk. Launched in February, the effort is part of a three-year study that aims to reduce suicide and repeat emergency department visits. The study will screen for and assess suicide risk in adult emergency department patients at AdventHealth Kissimmee hospital. Those who screen positive for suicide risk will receive referrals for inpatient or outpatient treatment and 90 days of follow-up support. “The goal is then to call them every day for 90 days and make sure they’re tapping into the relationship we’ve helped them build with the mental health community around Central Florida,” said Robert Geissler, AdventHealth Kissimmee director of emergency services. “That way they don’t continue reaching that point of acute crisis.”

Spark Extra! Check out our guide on preventing suicide among emergency department patients.