Suicide Prevention and Community Health Centers (In-Person Only)

During the 30 months preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of ER visits for suicidality was about 5.8 percent; during the pandemic this increased by 55 percent. While evidence-based treatment for suicidality is effective and available, too few vulnerable patients receive or complete an intervention across healthcare settings. Of those dying by suicide every day, approximately 45 percent will have seen their primary care provider within 30 days prior to their death. Broader scale screening of suicide risk outside of behavioral health settings is a necessity. Primary care is an ideal setting in which to identify suicide risk and initiate a mental health care connection, as is the dental clinic. This workshop will review how Compass Health Network, an FQHC as well as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO), has implemented the Zero Suicide model of care throughout all access points to care, including dental services. Workshop participants will develop an understanding of the urgency and importance of an "all hands on deck" suicide prevention approach across integrated care settings, as well as some of the barriers and facilitating factors involved in such an implementation.