Thursday, December 7, 2023
12/7/2023
The Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) proposes to implement the Louisiana Zero Suicide Initiative to improve care and outcomes for adults who are at risk for suicide by implementing the Zero Suicide model within selected state behavioral healthcare systems. The overall goal of the Louisiana Zero Suicide Initiative is to decrease suicide deaths and suicide attempts of adults aged 25 or older within these behavioral healthcare systems. The priority populations to be served by this grant are adults who are 25 years of age or older, at risk for suicide, and present for treatment at one of the six selected state behavioral healthcare systems. The objectives are: 1) By August 31, 2021,implement the seven elements of the Zero Suicide Initiative throughout four of the State's Local Governing Entities (LGEs) responsible for providing behavioral healthcare services in their areas and through two hospitals within the state's psychiatric hospital system, 2) By October 31, 2020, the six participating providers will have completed their Organizational Self-Study and workforce survey, 3) By October 31, 2020, the six participating providers will have developed an organizational work plan, strategic training plan, and evaluation plan, 4) By August 31, 2025 train 800 individuals in the behavioral healthcare workforce in suicide prevention with evidenced-based services related to their position, 5) By August 31, 2025, screen 17,300 unduplicated individuals receiving care at the selected providers for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (3,370 in year 1, 3,520 in each of years 2-4, and 3,370 in year 5). In order to achieve these objectives, OBH will work collaboratively with the six identified health systems to implement the seven elements of the Zero Suicide model. OBH will use Community Mental Health Services Block Grant funds to support a two-day Zero Suicide Academy in September 2020, which provider organizations will be required to attend. OBH will provide ongoing support and technical assistance through monthly Community of Learning calls for nine months following the academy. Each selected provider organization will develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure all clients are screened at intake for suicide risk, all clients identified to be at risk for suicide are engaged in the development of a suicide care management plan and are treated using evidence-based approaches that target suicidal thoughts and behaviors directly, and to support successful care transitions. This coordinated, comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and intervention will help to raise awareness of suicide, establish referral processes, and improve care and outcomes for individuals who are at risk for suicide.
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).
