Nebraska Youth Suicide Prevention Project 2026-2031 - The Nebraska Youth Suicide Prevention Project, led by the University of Nebraska, builds statewide capacity for suicide prevention and early intervention through the use of the Zero Suicide Framework, improved suicide risk screening and response systems, training in suicide prevention practices and interventions, community-based suicide prevention strategies, and a statewide media campaign. Partnering with Nebraska’s six Regional Behavioral Health Authorities to serve all 93 Nebraska counties, the project builds long-term capacity for identification, intervention, care, and access to suicide prevention resources for youth and young adults up to age 24, and their families. Activities establish use of suicide risk screenings for all people seeking care within the behavioral health system, regardless of presenting condition or concern. Implementation of the Zero Suicide Framework ensures those screening positive receive suicide risk assessments and a safety plan in a timely manner, followed by handoff for appropriate services. Community-based prevention strategies include lethal means security interventions, adoption of evidence-based community programming, and a statewide media campaign. Training covers evidence-based suicide care for clinicians, and awareness and referral for staff of youth serving organizations, crisis responders, peers, and community members. Training-of-trainers ensures long-term capacity development. Families of youth and young adults who have attempted suicide or are at risk of suicide receive supportive resources. Increased capacity for early intervention and suicide prevention among youth and young adults is achieved through two project goals and associated objectives: Goal 1) Utilize the Zero Suicide Framework to reduce suicide attempts in youth and young adults (up to age 24) by 15%; Objective 1.1) Screen at least 20,000 youth and young adults (up to the age of 24) using validated suicide risk screening tools during the grant period (4,000 annually); Objective 1.2) 100% of youth and young adults identified for suicide risk will receive a documented suicide risk assessment and collaborative safety plan; Objective 1.3) 100% of youth and young adults clinically assessed positive for elevated suicide risk will have a documented referral to crisis or other mental health related services; and Objective 1.4) Train at least 1,500 health or behavioral health professionals (300 annually) in evidence-based and evidence-informed suicide prevention practices and interventions; and Goal 2) Increase reach of community-based mental health promotion and suicide prevention across Nebraska; Objective 2.1) Increase the awareness of crisis resources by 25% (988 Lifeline, local mental health, and crisis resources) for families of youth and young adults (age 19 to 24); Objective 2.2) Distribute 10,000 lethal means security and secure storage devices statewide, with priority distribution to families with youth and young adults identified at-risk of suicide; and Objective 2.3) Train 12,000 caregivers, community members, educators, and youth serving staff in evidence-based or evidence-informed mental health promotion and suicide prevention. This project addresses all SAMHSA strategic priorities related to grant activities, including expanding crisis intervention and emergency services, treatment for serious mental illness and complex needs, the use of evidence-based and outcome-focused practices, program integrity and fiscal stewardship, parental rights and family engagement, and partnership and coordination.
