Zero Suicide Colorado - The Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) leverages the national Zero Suicide quality improvement framework to propel forward comprehensive suicide prevention strategies for adults in key Colorado community mental health centers and health systems. Participating health systems: prioritize suicide prevention as a core component of care; create robust suicide care management plans and protocols for patients screened and assess as at some level of risk for suicide; train staff in culturally responsive, trauma-informed care; and collect and analyze data to identify any areas for improving care for suicidal patients. The purpose of Zero Suicide Colorado (ZSC) is to support full implementation of the framework in 16 priority counties: 5 rural counties (Delta, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray), 3 frontier counties (Gunnison, Hinsdale, San Miguel), and 8 urban counties (Clear Creek, Denver, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Pueblo). OSP will support priority populations with this project, particularly those disproportionately affected by suicidal despair, attempts, and death, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two Spirit, and other sexual orientations (LGTBQIA2S+), veterans, Black, Indigenous, and communities of Color (BIPOC), including American Indian / Alaska Native (AIAN) adults, and adults in rural communities. From 2017-2021, while comprising 51% of Colorado's population, the 16 priority counties represent 54.3% of Colorado's adult suicide deaths, 57.3% of hospital discharges, and 56.2% of emergency department (ED) visits for suicide-related behaviors. Through OSP-funded training, 7,550 staff between 2023-2028 will recieve education on suicide-specific interventions relevant to their role, and patients at risk will access care in system better equipped to manage their suicidal despair and/or intent. OSP assists health systems in using a data-driven quality improvement approach to improve their suicide care policies, workflows, and protocols; in doing so, participating systems in priority counties will reduce the number of suicide-related behaviors, hospital discharges, and ED visits among their patient populations.
