Primary Care Can Play Key Role in Suicide Prevention

A recent NIMH-funded study demonstrated that implementing suicide care practices, including universal screening and safety planning, in primary care settings can reduce suicide attempts by 25% within three months. Given that many individuals who die by suicide visit primary care clinics shortly before their deaths, this study emphasizes the potential impact of proactive mental health interventions in routine healthcare. The research aligns with the Zero Suicide initiative, showcasing how integrated care models can effectively address critical mental health issues in at-risk populations.

The study found that integrating suicide care practices into primary care visits led to a 25% reduction in suicide attempts within three months.

Adding universal screening, risk assessment, and safety planning to routine visits empowers primary care clinics to play a significant role in suicide prevention.

Read at National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)