The Indian Health Service is announcing the availability of $850,000 in funding for the Zero Suicide Initiative Coordinating Center Cooperative Agreement . This funding supports tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to provide technical assistance to all current Zero Suicide Initiative projects and build capacity to improve the system of care for those at risk for suicide by implementing a comprehensive, culturally informed, multi-setting approach to suicide prevention in Indian health systems.
The ZSI Coordinating Center will provide technical assistance in the areas of data collection, reporting, training, resources, and implementation of the Zero Suicide approach in Indian Country. The ZSI Coordinating Center technical assistance will be framed to promote the core seven elements of the Zero Suicide model that were developed by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center . This agreement is for a five-year period and the deadline to apply is April 17, 2023.
The Zero Suicide model is a comprehensive approach to suicide care which aims to reduce the risk of suicide for all individuals seen in health care systems. Zero Suicide represents a commitment to patient safety – the most fundamental responsibility of health care – and to the safety and support of clinical staff who treat and support suicidal patients. Zero Suicide is also a key concept of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and is a priority of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
IHS looks forward to continuing to provide quality services to improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the system of care for those at risk for suicide.
More information on the IHS Suicide Prevention and Care Program, including resources for patients and providers, is available here.
