September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which is an important time to combat the stigma surrounding suicide and promote open discussions about mental health. Suicide is often a taboo topic, but increasing awareness can make a significant difference in preventing suicide by providing people with the knowledge they need to recognize warning signs and take proactive steps to help those in need. This month provides an opportunity to honor those who have died by suicide, stand in solidarity with those grappling with suicidal thoughts, and offer support to the families, friends, and communities affected by suicide. It's also a time for education and outreach, as gaining a better understanding of suicide can lead to improved support and prevention.
At CenterPointe, we are dedicated to preventing suicide and providing crisis intervention. With over 51 years of experience as a whole-health organization, we have developed our crisis response capabilities to include a 24/7 crisis line, walk-in services, and mobile crisis response. Our approach aligns with SAMHSA's crisis continuum of care principles: "Someone to Talk To, Someone to Respond, and A Safe Place to Be."
Since 2020, we have partnered with multiple community organizations to improve support for individuals dealing with behavioral health challenges. Our partnership with the Lincoln Police Department has been crucial in training officers on mental health and developing efficient mobile crisis response strategies. These strategies guarantee that individuals in crisis are promptly connected with behavioral health professionals, preventing prolonged crises and linking them to important community resources.
Our commitment to suicide prevention was strengthened in 2020 when CenterPointe adopted the Zero Suicide Framework. This research-based approach focuses on providing top-quality care to individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts. All staff members have undergone specialized training to help them have empathetic and open discussions about suicide. We have also updated our protocols for screening for suicide risk and creating safety plans, introducing the Life Worth Living Pathway. This effort ensures comprehensive care, which includes assessing risk, limiting access to lethal methods, creating safety plans, and providing ongoing support. By regularly reevaluating risk and reaching out to individuals who miss appointments, we aim to prevent anyone from slipping through the cracks.
In 2022, I had the honor of serving on Nebraska's 988 implementation team. This initiative enabled CenterPointe's Crisis Response team to become Lincoln's designated mobile crisis response team for the 988 hotline. This collaboration aims to provide immediate, on-the-ground support to individuals in crisis, strengthening our community's mental health infrastructure.
Most recently, we launched our SquareOne Youth Crisis Response program in collaboration with Lancaster County and Region V. This expansion ensures 24/7 crisis support for youth and families across all 16 counties within the Region V catchment area, including rural communities. Our goal is to provide immediate care during difficult times, addressing emotional, behavioral, and family challenges. By extending these critical services, we are closing the gap in mental health support for rural areas, where access can be limited. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of community-driven mental health care, ensuring that young people receive timely assistance, no matter their location.
By working together, we can reduce stigma, raise awareness, and take meaningful steps toward preventing suicide in our community. This month, let's educate ourselves, support one another, and create an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized.
