Sunday, May 12, 2024
5/12/2024
Centerstone COVID-19 Emergency Response for Suicide Prevention in Indiana (IN-ERSP) will advance efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent suicide and suicide attempts among adults age 25 and older, including victims of domestic violence, in the geographic area comprising 26 Southern Indiana counties. IN-ERSP anticipates serving, at minimum, an unduplicated total of 125 adults in the 16-month project period, based on considerations including area/population need, staff caseload/capacity, and timeframe for meeting client care needs. IN-ERSP’s focus population demographics are expected to mirror those of the catchment area, with 50% male, 50% female, 92% white, 3% African American, 3% Hispanic/Latino individuals ages 25+. IN-ERSP will place special emphasis on supporting victims of domestic violence who face suicide risk factors (e.g., stress, anxiety, trauma) exacerbated by current conditions (e.g., stay-at-home orders). Prior to the pandemic, suicide rates among the focus population far exceeded the nation (16.5/100,000 vs. 14.5); rates are expected to rise as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. For example, local Indiana service providers have seen a 48% increase in suicide calls and a 116% increase in crisis text contacts, many regarding domestic abuse. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related behavioral health needs, IN-ERSP will provide rapid follow-up, including care transition/coordination services, among clients who have attempted suicide or experienced a suicidal crisis after discharge from emergency departments (EDs) and inpatient psychiatric units (IPUs), and help clients secure a mental health appointment within a week of discharge. Care transition/coordination will also be provided for clients of the Stride Center, Centerstone’s crisis diversion facility. IN-ERSP will assess clients’ risk level and develop a crisis management plan comprising of safety planning, reduced access to lethal means crisis intervention, continuous contact/monitoring, and rapid follow-up. Victims of domestic violence and their dependents will be provided enhanced services, including a safe place to stay if they are unable to remain safe in their home. IN-ERSP suicide-specific evidence-based practices include RELATE; the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP); Suicide-Prevention Focused Narrative Exposure Therapy (S-NET); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Skills Treatment (DBT-ST); Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP); and Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM). IN-ERSP will accomplish the following goals: 1) Develop/implement a plan for rapid follow-up after discharge from EDs/IPUs; 2) Provide follow-up and care transition/coordination services; 3) Enhance/expand community and clinical service provider training; 4) Develop/expand collaborations with relevant state/community organizations/departments/systems to implement comprehensive suicide prevention; 5) Enhance/expand community recovery supports for clients and household members; and 6) Conduct a comprehensive evaluation. IN-ERSP objectives will measure the number of screenings/assessments and rapid follow-up conducted; services (including telehealth services), care transition, and care coordination delivered; and community/clinical trainings conducted, as well as outcomes related to substance use, employment status, housing stability, suicidality, and social connectedness among participants. IN-ERSP has secured commitments from partners, including domestic violence organizations, who are dedicated to the project’s success and who will serve as linkage/referral sources; provide recovery support services; and take part in project trainings, Advisory Council, and Evaluation activities.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
