Why Suicide Prevention Education?
Death by suicide is a public health crisis. Utah has the ninth-highest suicide rate per capita in the U.S. Because of the widespread prevalence of these issues in the region, improving mental health and reducing suicide has been an important goal for U of U Health for many years. Our vision is provide education and resources that will improve the mental healthcare of individuals in Utah and the Mountain West, thus decreasing the number of deaths by suicide.
Call 988
The 988 Crisis Line offers services to divert mental health crises and prevent suicide
Zero Suicide Initiative
Studies show that 90 percent of people who die by suicide have had contact with a healthcare provider within the last year. Up to 30 percent have had contact with a healthcare provider in the last week before taking their lives. Through the Zero Suicide Initiative, the University of Utah Health provides a framework for suicide prevention.
The Zero Suicide Initiative educators offer trainings and education to organizations throughout Utah and the Mountain West. The trainings are based on the Zero Suicide framework as well as common topics like: screening, assessment tools, safety planning, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), as well as the needs of your organization.
These short videos provide an overview of the education offered by the Zero Suicide team:
- Zero Suicide Framework
- General Suicide Training: Ask, Listen, & Refer
- Managing Suicide Risk: Collaborative Safety Planning & CALM
Please fill out the request form below to set up an education or training for your site!
Rachael Jasperson, MBA, MSW, PhD
Director, Zero Suicide Initiative
Huntsman Mental Health Institute
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) provides specialty programs to prevent mental health crises and support people through them if they happen. HMHI has education and outreach resources for mental health crisis management, suicide prevention, and emotional wellness.