SPRC receives funds from SAMHSA to focus on populations at high risk for suicide

Nov 4 2010

In the United States, suicide claims over 34,000 lives annually, the equivalent of 94 suicides per day; one suicide every 15 minutes. To address this national crisis the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is awarding a total of up to $22.4 million in additional funds over the course of the next five years to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). The center which is operated by the Education Development Center, Inc., in Massachusetts, provides state-of-the-art suicide prevention expertise to states, tribes, and communities throughout the country. 

This new funding will allow the SPRC to increase its focus on populations at high risk for suicide or suicide attempts, such as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth, young Latinas, youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, and American Indian/Alaska natives. The funding will also allow an increased focus on increasing the suicide prevention capacity of health and mental health providers to assess and manage suicide risk and to improve quality and continuity of care for persons at high risk of suicide, including individuals who have attempted suicide, those afflicted with mental illness and those with substance use disorders.

In addition the funds will help enhance suicide prevention capacities in critical care settings such as primary care, hospital emergency departments, and substance abuse treatment programs.

"Suicide is a preventable tragedy with the potential to touch every American," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "Every life is important, so we must confront suicide, suicidal thoughts openly and honestly and use every opportunity to make a difference."

The grant, part of SAMHSA's strategic initiative on prevention of mental illness and substance abuse, will provide training and resources to organizations and individuals implementing suicide prevention programs, interventions, and policies. It will also support the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's efforts to update and advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. The Action Alliance was recently launched by HHS Secretary Sebelius and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and is co-chaired by former United States Senator Gordon H. Smith and Army Secretary John McHugh. The work of the Action Alliance will be supported by several other federal government agencies represented on the Federal Partners Working Group on Suicide Prevention.

"Suicide rips through the fabric of families, loved ones, mothers, fathers, children, spouses, partners, co-workers - a tidal wave of doubt, guilt, and silence often enfolds the circle of friends and family like no other experience," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. "This action alliance gives us an opportunity to engage every sector of society — public, private and philanthropic — to bring the full force of our nation's resources to bear on confronting the challenge and breaking the silence and suffering." 
 
"The Education Development Center is committed to improving health and well-being across the life cycle, especially for those who are underserved," said Center President and CEO Luther Luedtke. "Working with SAMHSA and many colleagues and partners across the country, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center at the Education Development Center provides access to the science and experience that support the critical programs, interventions, and policies helping to prevent suicide nationwide."
 
SAMHSA is projected to provide up to $4.5 million per year in funding under this grant for up to five years. The actual award amounts may vary depending on the availability of funds & the awardees' progress achieved.
  
Source: SAMHSA