FY2023 Zero Suicide - The purpose of Missouri’s Zero Suicide Project (ZSP) is to expand implementation of the Zero Suicide intervention and prevention model for adults throughout health systems to prevent suicide and suicide attempts among adults. Under the Zero Suicide Project (ZSP), the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) will work towards decreasing the leading cause of death among 18-44 year olds in Missouri focusing on service areas with higher than the state average suicide rates. The DMH will collaborate with two behavioral health providers: Compass Health Network (CHN) and ReDiscover, Inc. to serve adults 18-44 at risk for suicide. CHN predominantly serves individuals in rural, micropolitan, and urban areas (Camden, Cole, Laclede, Miller, Osage, Pulaski, Franklin, Lincoln, Saint Charles, Warren, Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, and Phelps counties) while ReDiscover, Inc. serves individuals living in the Kansas City metropolitan area (Jackson and Cass counties). Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) will be an additional population of focus. The ZSP will serve approximately 1,950 individuals during the five year project period. This will be accomplished through implementing the seven elements of the Zero Suicide framework: Lead, Train, Identify, Engage, Trust, Transition, Improve, and incorporate principles of heath equity within each goal, objective, and initiative. The ZSP will 1) use established relationships to create a subgroup of the Missouri Suicide Prevention Network (MSPN), the ZSOSC, to oversee the development, implementation, and quality improvement of the Zero Suicide program, 2) partner with the Missouri Behavioral Health Council (MBHC) to provide clinical and non-clinical training programs for the healthcare workforce, taking into consideration any culture-specific adaptations for diverse ethnic and racial groups that may be needed, 3) utilize effective practices for suicide outreach, screening, assessment, clinical treatment, rapid follow-up, and linkages to services for adults accessing emergency departments (EDs) and inpatient hospitals due to a suicidal crisis by partnering with CHN and ReDiscover, Inc., 4) partner with the Missouri Institute for Mental Health (MIMH) and the Zero Suicide Oversight Steering Council (ZSOSC), to use information such as death reviews, non-fatal suicide attempts, Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) suicide surveillance data, input from the ZSOSC, and patient care outcomes to develop a strategic plan to improve policies and procedures through a continuous quality improvement plan, and 5) work to advance behavioral health equity by ensuring access to quality care, especially across different ethnic and racial groups, sexual and gender minority groups, and Veterans. The DMH’s approach includes utilization of effective practices for suicide intervention, assessment, and treatment. Annual Zero Suicide Academies will be held annually for those targeted systems of care. Training will be provided on evidence-based practices including 1) the Zero Suicide framework, 2) Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), and 3) Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). 4) Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). The DMH will establish a statewide coalition whose mission will be to provide consensus, guide policy, coordinate efforts, and advocate for suicide prevention in the state. The coalition will be responsible for updating the state’s suicide prevention plan to ensure it is consistent with the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Missouri’s ZSP will embed and support the elements of Zero Suicide model throughout the state’s behavioral healthcare system and into supporting referral systems.
