"Research from several countries outside the U.S. as well as from the U.S. military and veteran population suggests that many physical health conditions may increase suicide risk."
"Several conditions, such as back pain, sleep disorders, and traumatic brain injury were all associated with suicide risk and are commonly diagnosed, making patients with these conditions primary targets for suicide prevention."
- Major Physical Health Conditions and Risk of Suicide. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Am J Prev Med 2017;53(3):308-315.
Publications
Is Your Patient Suicidal?
1 in 10 suicides are completed by those who have been seen in the Emergency Department in the last 60 days. Many are never assessed for suicide risk. "Is Your Patient Suicidal?" is a suicide risk poster that includes suicide warning signs, contributing factors and important questions to ask. Click here to download a free copy.
SAFE-T:
This convenient pocket card "assists clinicians in conducting a suicide assessment using a 5-step evaluation and triage plan to identify risk factors and protective factors, conduct a suicide inquiry, determine risk level and potential interventions, and document a treatment plan". Order your free card here.
More suicide prevention publications can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website. Click here for a comprehensive list.
Staff Training and CME
The following training courses are registered as Best Practice programs by
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC).
Click here to view SPRC's training page for clinicians and support staff.
Local Training Courses
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer - 3 steps that anyone can use to help save a life.
QPR Suicide Prevention Training is offered free through Shasta County Health and Human Services. To schedule a training for your staff, call 530-229-8426.
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR)
Core Competencies for Mental Health Professionals
AMSR is a one-day training designed for mental health clinicians. This class teaches participants strategies in the assessment, management and treatment of suicidal patients. AMSR is recognized as a Best Practice training by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center's Best Practice Registry. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences awards 6.5 continuing education credits for completion of the program.
For more information about local training for AMSR, call 530-229-8426.
Online CME Courses
One-hour suicide assessment course developed by
Kognito Interactive. 1.5 CME units for completion.
Adolescent suicide assessment course provided free by The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Credit: 1.25 contact hours.
Question, Persuade, Refer online training module guides assessment and safety planning. 6-10 hours required; 8-10 CME/CE credits.
Prevention Tools for You and Your Patients
Below are lists of programs and applications designed to support you and your patients - anytime, anywhere.
For You:
- Crisis Support Plan: Enlist support from a trusted friend or family member in case of a suicide crisis.
For Your Patients:
- My3: This app guides your patient in defining their support network so they have a plan at the ready during a mental health crisis.
- PTSD Coach: Designed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for service men and women, this app provides a self-assessment module, information on PTSD, support resources and stress management tools.
- iMoodJournal: Patients can easily track their moods, sleep patterns, medications, energy level, stress and more.