September is Suicide Prevention Month. Experts say it’s a good time to remember how important something as simple as good old friendliness can be.
Melanie Brown-Woofter, president and CEO of the Florida Behavioral Health Association, says a person reaching out in a neighborly way can change someone’s life.
“Pick up the phone and call," she said. "Text. Drop by their house and say hello, how are you. If you see them in the grocery store, start up a conversation. Perhaps in a place of worship, maybe in a civic environment. Invite them to go do something. Invite them to come to your house for tea or dinner or an ice cream cone. Just something simple like that can work to avoid the suicide.”
One highly successful suicide prevention hotline is 988, which was a 10-digit number until two years ago. Brown-Woofter says when people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they’re talking to trained crisis counselors who provide free and confidential emotional support.
“Through May 2024, there were over 179,000 calls in Florida to 988," she said. "And of those, 2,064 included a suicide attempt in progress – and zero of those attempts in progress resulted in a death.”
Brown-Woofter says there are also training programs available for those who want more information about how to help their friends and families. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
***
Florida LEADS (Launch Engage Activate Departments and Systems for Zero Suicide) performs the following suicide training:
- Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
- Available for anyone interested
- Typically 1-3 hour training
- An evidence-based, adult gatekeeper training on warning signs of suicide and how get help for an individual in crisis using the question, persuade, and refer technique.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Available for Licensed Mental Health Professionals
- Typically 5-day training
- An evidence-based clinical modality show to be affective in reducing risk in adults at risk for suicide. This workshop allows for licensed mental health professionals to start using DBT-informed care with patients/clients
- Suicide Risk Assessment Training
- Available for Health/Mental Health Professionals
- A best practice, suicide risk assessment and management training focusing on epidemiology of suicide, risk formulation, referral and risk management plans, engagement and interviewing skills, and continuity of care strategies.
- Linking Individuals Needing Care (LINC)
- Available for Care Coordinators/Case Managers & Health/Mental Health Professionals
- A skills-based training teaching professionals risk identification skills, rapport-building strategies, continuity of care strategies, and steps for collaborating with helping professionals to strengthen systems of care to keep at-risk individuals safe.
- Safety Planning, A LINC to Life
- Available for anyone
- Typically 3 hours
- A research-informed, skills-based training focusing on the development of a collaborative safety plan for someone at-risk for suicide. Ideal for clinical and non-clinical staff who intervene with people in crisis.
