IHS Zero Suicide Initiative

The Indian Health Service (IHS) Zero Suicide Initiative (ZSI) program provides funding to eight projects that focus on developing a system-wide approach to improving care for individuals at risk of suicide who are currently using health and behavioral health services.

The Zero Suicide Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  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 a key concept of the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP) [PDF - 5 MB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  which calls for suicide prevention to be a core component of health care services and for the implementation of effective clinical and professional practices for assessing and treating those at risk for suicide.

Zero Suicide is a priority of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . The Action Alliance is the public-private partnership advancing the NSSP by championing suicide prevention as a national priority.