Mark Dimor’s Post

With gratitude to the more than 2,000 individuals who provided input, the hundreds who shared their wisdom and lived experience through a series of listening sessions, the leaders from more than 20 federal agencies and the federal leadership team who worked tirelessly over the last year led by Brandon J. Johnson, MHS, MCHES and Deborah Stone, ScD, MSW, MPH, and amazing colleagues from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and EDC (Education Development Center) - we have a new National Strategy for Suicide Prevention to guide our efforts over the next decade. More thoughts and pictures to come as I reflect on the moment and celebrate the progress, but in short, with so much on the line and so much to accomplish to truly address suicide in our nation, it's time to get to work. “This National Strategy offers a renewed focus and clear commitment to reducing suicide in the United States. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is committed to leveraging its role as the nation’s public-private partnership for suicide prevention to activate its diverse network of public and private sector leaders to implement this National Strategy,” said Colleen Carr, MPH, Director of the Action Alliance. “There is both an urgent need and unique opportunity to make significant and measurable progress around suicide prevention in the U.S., and doing so will require collaboration, coordination, and a shared commitment by federal agencies and private sector organizations.” https://lnkd.in/eyE2CErC Shelby Rowe Sarah Brummett Theresa M. Brittany Carradine Clemoens Susie [수지] Reynolds Reece Sommer Albert, MSW Shawna Hite-Jones Michelle Majeres Jerry Reed, Ph.D, MSW Shari Kessel Schneider Dana Careless Craig Kramer Carolyn Clancy DeQuincy Meiffren-Lezine Victor Armstrong, MSW

A new 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) and accompanying Federal Action Plan has been announced by the Biden Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action-Alliance), led the development of these critical deliverables which support the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities to address the overdose and #mentalhealth crises, key pillars of the Biden-Harris Unity Agenda. An Interagency Work Group (IWG), comprised of over 20 agencies in 10 federal departments across the government contributed to the development of the National Strategy. Suicide is an urgent and growing public health crisis. More than 49,000 people in the United States died by suicide in 2022. That’s one death every 11 minutes. Addressing this crisis requires a bold new strategy, and the first-ever Federal Action Plan to put the strategy into action and drive results. The National Strategy is a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to suicide prevention. The National Strategy outlines concrete recommendations for addressing gaps and meeting the needs of at-risk populations. It is accompanied by the first-ever Federal Action Plan, which identifies 200 discrete actions to be initiated and evaluated over the next three years. Actions include, for example, identifying ways to address substance use and suicide risk together in the clinical setting, funding a mobile crisis locator for use by 988 crisis centers, increasing support for survivors of suicide loss and others whose lives have been impacted by suicide, and evaluating promising community-based suicide prevention strategies. Each of these actions will be monitored and evaluated regularly to determine progress and success, and to further identify barriers to successful suicide prevention. Read more here https://lnkd.in/gzi3yTB6

Wed 21 Feb 2024 could be a key date in history for #SuicidePrevention! c50 people working in suicide prevention & people with #LivedExperience of suicide gathered at Portcullis House to discuss the concept of a BSI (possibly ISO) #Standard for Suicide Prevention. BSI hosted & facilitated the workshop with skill and a genuinely open mind, covering whether this was a good idea, and the drawbacks/risks as well as the benefits/opportunities. I think it's fair to say most participants arrived thinking this is a good idea, and most left convinced it's a good idea. Whenever we discussed potential problems, risks or concerns, the conversation usually turned fairly quickly to ways of addressing the concerns, tackling the problems, mitigating the risks. When we considered which sectors, industries, professions, institutions, or types of organisation might benefit from there being a Standard they could adopt and use to 'be good at and get better at' suicide prevention, we had a long list. We struggled to think of anyone it wouldn't be relevant for. Where we felt organisations should already have the necessary 'assurance & improvement systems' in place for suicide prevention, eg the NHS, prisons or universities, we were quickly able to think of examples of suicides via 'systems failure' in these places, and so potential benefits for them adopting & assuring the Standard. For organisations not familiar with suicide prevention, with no systems or frameworks in place, where just talking about suicide & suicide prevention is difficult, a Standard could be a valuable reference point, a very useful start point for action, and a highly impactful means of preventing suicides. Why we were meeting like this? We were there because of Marcus Long Marcus is a leading figure in the UK & global business of devising & delivering Standards; and utilising these Standards-with-external-inspection-and-accountability for consistently high performance and to continuously improve. Marcus is also a dad who lost his 21-year old son, Adam, to suicide in Oct 2020. Marcus had his moment of "I must do something about suicide...what can I do?...how can I use my area of professional expertise?...would a Standard for Suicide Prevention 'work'?". In the final summing up yesterday, I urged everyone to aim high. Not a Standard with just 'minimum requirements'. Low ambition is one of the biggest 'enemies' for suicide prevention. Indeed, in the field of suicide prevention, low ambition kills people! That's why myself, Steve Phillip & The Jordan Legacy CIC have devised our #ZeroSuicideSociety Transformation Programme - to challenge low ambition, to aim high, and to show how we can get the suicide numbers down, towards zero. Most of those in the room agreed we should be at least aiming for a 'good' standard. Many thought we should be aiming for #excellence. Definitely not an easy-to-get-&-keep-tick-a-few-boxes 'badge'. As BSI itself sums it up: "making excellence a habit"!

Despite advances, suicide prevention still lacks the breadth and depth of the coordinated response truly needed to reduce suicide morbidity and mortality. Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach that spans systems, organizations, and environments, combining treatment and intervention with primary prevention efforts beginning in childhood so they can set the stage for future health and well-being. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including exposure to child abuse and neglect, are well-documented risk factors for suicidality. A viable suicide prevention target — ACEs; however, suicide prevention efforts seldom focus here. The following provides an overview of suicide prevention and intervention, and suggestions for comprehensive suicide prevention programs that address ACE prevention. The context for suicide prevention in the U.S. is sobering. In 2015, a total of 44,193 individuals died by suicide, and between 1999 and 2015, suicide rates increased more than 25%. Emergency departments recorded 1.4 million discharges for self-inflicted injuries, and acute care hospitals recorded an additional 758,000 discharges in 2013. These numbers represent only a fraction of individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. According to self-report survey data, 1.3 million adults attempted suicide, 2.7 million made plans for suicide, and 9.7 million adults seriously considered suicide. These events exact a large emotional and human cost on families, friends, workplaces, and communities. Based on conservative estimates, death by suicide totals $50.8 billion in lifetime medical and work-loss costs. Non-fatal self-harm injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments accounted for more than $11.9 billion in lifetime medical and work-loss costs. Although informative, these estimates are considerable underestimates of the true cost of suicidality. Many additional costs, such as psychological care, costs to family members, and the broader impacts on children, schools, and communities are not included in these cost estimations. Despite these limitations, these estimates demonstrate the significant public health burden of suicidality, and make a strong case for increased investments in comprehensive prevention programs that include evidence-based, primary prevention strategies — ACE Prevention and ACE Healing Solutions. This requires a comprehensive approach, medical team, family support and inclusion of all available resources because these situations must always be taken very seriously.

The Walsall Council Multi-Agency Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2024-2029 represents a significant commitment by local authorities and partner organisations to address the critical issue of suicide in the community. Building on the foundations of the previous strategy, this updated plan aims to incorporate learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic and the insights gained from the 2022 Walsall Suicide Prevention Audit. Key elements of the strategy include: 1. **Collaborative Approach**: Engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including the Council, NHS, housing partners, DWP, educational institutions, police, and voluntary and community sector organizations. 2. **Community Engagement**: The strategy was developed following an engagement event with around 80 individuals from over 60 organisations, ensuring a broad representation of community interests and perspectives. 3. **Training and Education**: A focus on providing mental health and suicide prevention training to all residents of Walsall, with sessions available online or in person at community venues. 4. **Support Services**: Emphasising the availability of support services such as the Black Country 24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline and the Black Country Support After Suicide Service. 5. **Targeted Interventions**: Identifying and supporting individuals at higher risk of suicide, including men, people who are neurodivergent, and those affected by domestic abuse. 6. **Awareness and Prevention**: The strategy aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, promoting early intervention and improving data and intelligence on the subject. The strategy underscores the importance of community involvement and the role of each organisation and individual in contributing to suicide prevention efforts. It is a comprehensive plan that seeks to provide hope, support, and recovery for those experiencing mental distress, with the ultimate goal of reducing self-harm and preventing deaths by suicide in Walsall.

I wrote this post while I was sitting at 30,000 feet on my way home, reflecting on my journey home from Portland Oregon and the VA/DOD SUICIDE PREVENTION CONFERENCE. While my journey back was delayed a few days by a global software glitch, I realize that the extended travel was a small price to pay for the incredible experience I had. Though my family might not agree, I would do it all over again to be part of such a meaningful conversation on suicide prevention. During the sessions, several key themes emerged that are critical to our approach to suicide prevention: 1. Stigma Reduction and Upstream Intervention: - We explored the profound impact of behavioral interventions and proactive conversations about suicide. By introducing available resources in a preemptive and supportive manner, we can make a tangible difference. - Motivational interviewing was highlighted as a powerful tool. It not only encourages positive change but also significantly reduces suicidal ideation and attempts, with a 40% reduction shown in studies. 2. Proper Access to and Utilization of Data: - Simulation modeling was discussed as a vital method for supporting outcomes in community-based suicide prevention programs. Through data-driven approaches, we can predict outcomes and make informed decisions to enhance program effectiveness. - The importance of leveraging qualitative and quantitative data was emphasized. Using participatory evaluation and narrative experiences can transform our understanding and implementation of suicide prevention strategies. 3. Collaborative Efforts: - The necessity of full collaboration between armed services, governmental policies, for-profits, non-profits, and community resources was a consistent theme. Nobody can tackle this issue alone; it requires a united effort from all sectors. - An example of this collaboration is the partnership with Rally Point to engage veterans who do not currently access VA services. This initiative combines the expertise of multiple program offices and uses AI to support individuals in distress. I want to extend my gratitude to the many exceptional individuals who shared their insights, expertise, and passion. This is just a small handful of the inspiring people that I either met or had a chance to listen to: Dr Mark Ilgen from U of M Med and the Ann Arbor VA, Amanda Price, Emily Yeagley, Peter Britton, Halima Ahmadi-Montecalvo, PhD, MPH, Olivia Ashley, Marie O., Dan Smith, MD, FACEP, Robert Parris, Martin Bloomenkranz, Charles Kozel, Amanda Lienau, PhD, David Gowel, and so many more! SAS is dedicated to supporting these collaborative efforts. Together, we are making strides towards a future where mental health support is accessible, stigma is reduced, and lives are saved. #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Collaboration #DataDriven #CommunitySupport

The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries. It's World Suicide Prevention Day. In mourning and memory of a good friend and mentor, I've learned to genuinely ask "how are you doing?" and am prepared to listen and act -- if necessary -- to engage with friends, family, and colleagues who are struggling. If you're hurting, it's OK to ask for help. Please, reach out to a friend, a coworker, a doctor ... just reach out to someone. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to speak with trained Lifeline staff. In Washington, dialing 211 will connect you to critical health and human services in your community, possibly helping regain some stability. The World Health Organization's theme this year is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide"; here's an excerpt from their website: >> Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700 000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide. >> The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. >> The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support. https://lnkd.in/e799Chuv

As an effort to address the pressing public health concern - suicide, Suicide Prevention Program has crafted a comprehensive plan, bringing together community and state partners to develop a coordinated network of support. The plan involves mental health professionals, healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders, working together to deliver a range of interventions. These interventions include public education campaigns, training programs, crisis hotlines, and support services for individuals and families affected by suicide. By fostering a supportive environment and providing accessible resources, the plan aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek help when needed. With the plan, families can gain more access to mental health services, support systems, and educational resources, empowering them to better understand and manage their mental health which increases communities' overall well-being. A New Leaf understands the critical role of accessible resources and support in promoting mental health and well-being across communities. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, Arizona Suicide Prevention Program advocates for a future where mental health support is readily available and stigma-free. Together, we can build a society where behavioral health remains a top priority, promoting hope, resilience, and support for generations to come. https://lnkd.in/gG9WzyGS

#ProjectSoulStride week 12 update. 𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟏: 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 I'm delighted to share that I'm nearing the end of phase 1 of my project, which has involved conducting 45 insightful interviews. The wealth of knowledge, perspectives, and content gathered thus far has been truly remarkable. One of the key takeaways from these interviews is the importance of forming 'multi-agency suicide prevention steering groups'. Most areas across the country have already established or are in the process of establishing these partnerships, bringing together public health, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), primary and secondary care, the voluntary sector, the criminal justice system, and those directly affected by suicide. These cohesive groups play a crucial role in shaping local suicide prevention strategies. I strongly believe that creating a national registry of these plans would be incredibly beneficial. 💡 The collaborative efforts of these steering groups, coupled with the implementation of Real-time Suicide Surveillance (RTSS), paint a promising picture for suicide prevention. The RTSS system, developed by the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Centre for Suicide Research at the University of Manchester in collaboration with the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England (NSSP), is a unique tool that allows for real-time monitoring of suicide deaths and attempted suicides in England. By collecting data from a variety of sources, including the police, ambulance services, and hospitals, it generates timely and accurate reports on suicide trends and patterns. While Thrive LDN, a London-based mental health charity, was not the originator of the RTSS, their role in implementing and utilizing the system since its inception has been significant. Their close collaboration with the NIHR Centre for Suicide Research has contributed to the system's refinement and promotion across the UK. The RTSS's impact extends beyond England, with its adoption in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and select states in the USA (California, New York, and Washington). As we move forward, the insights gained from phase 1 will guide the next phase of this project, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of suicide prevention strategies and their impact. Helpful links:- 🎯 1. https://lnkd.in/emqf95bW Thames Valley Real-Time Suicide Surveillance System 🎯 2. https://lnkd.in/epHbhBXQ Evaluation of a System for Real-Time Surveillance of Suicide in England #suicideprevention #healthinequalities #blackmentalhealth #citizenscience https://lnkd.in/dbh84yE5

Hey everyone, I want to start off by saying this isn't about politics. Mental health is a human issue, not a political one. With that said, let's talk about something important. The White House has recently updated its National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, and it's about time. Suicide is a growing public health crisis, and this overhaul couldn't have come soon enough. The 2024 National Strategy outlines a comprehensive plan with 200 actionable items set to be implemented over the next three years. It covers everything from substance abuse to supporting underserved communities. One key part of this strategy is the 988 suicide crisis hotline, which has already fielded millions of calls, texts, and chats. Now, let's be real. The rollout of 988 hasn't been flawless – far from it. But, we need to talk about it openly if we're going to make it work. We can't just sweep the challenges under the rug. Transparency is key to progress. The new policy has five pillars: 1. Improving Lethal Means Safety: Making sure people in crisis don't have immediate access to things like firearms. 2. Enhancing Crisis Care and Facilitating Care Transitions: Ensuring high-quality care for those at risk of suicide. 3. Increasing Access to and Delivery of Effective Care: Making evidence-based mental health care more accessible. 4. Addressing Upstream Risk and Protective Factors: Tackling issues like financial strain and housing insecurity. 5. Increasing Research Coordination, Data Sharing, and Evaluation Efforts: Better data and research are crucial for understanding and preventing suicide. Now, I'll be honest. I'm always skeptical of government programs. They often seem more about politics than actually helping people. But, they can play a crucial role in securing funding and resources for much-needed programs. Ultimately, the White House's renewed focus on suicide prevention is a step in the right direction. By breaking down barriers and expanding access to support, we can create a future where no one suffers in silence. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 [TALK], or you can text TALK to 741-741 for free, confidential support. Together, we can make a difference. #suicideprevention #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #depression #mentalhealthmatters #anxiety #suicide #suicideawarness #ptsd #suicideawareness #depressionawareness #depressionhelp #mentalhealthadvocate #endthestigma #mentalhealthsupport #suicidepreventionmonth #selflove #recovery #youarenotalone #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellness #anxietyawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth The American Association of Suicidology Suicide Prevention Initiative and Depression Research Foundation Clarigent Health #stopsuicide American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation https://lnkd.in/g8Ui2yaA