Suicide continues to be the second highest cause of death for teens and young adults. In 2015, Indiana was identified as the highest in the nation at 19 percent of youth having considered suicide and second in the nation of the percentage of youth who have tried to end their lives by suicide. In addition to the state suicide data, LaGrange County suicides increased by 50 percent in 2016.
In an effort to create a culture of safety inside and outside of the organization, leaders from Parkview Behavioral Health attended a two-day seminar in 2016 to learn about the Zero Suicide Model of Care. Zero Suicide is an evidence-based framework that is based on the National Suicide Prevention Plan. Upon completion of this training, Parkview entered into an opportunity to be part of a Zero Suicide work group that is led by Community Health Network in Indiana. Through this workgroup, Parkview will participate in monthly calls to share lessons learned and share efforts around adoption of the Zero Suicide Model of Care.
Identified staff and community members within LaGrange County will be trained in an evidence-based suicide prevention strategy known as Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR). This material can be taught in a 90 to 120-minute period of time and provides the trainee with the skills and knowledge needed how to recognize and respond to a mental health crisis much like that of CPR for the heart. These instructors will then train groups of people within the community. This training will be provided free of charge with educational booklets provided for participants in this life-saving education. Participants in this training will also receive education about community resources and where to send others for help. In addition, Parkview LaGrange Hospital partners with the three public school corporations in LaGrange County to address mental health. The hospital provides a licensed mental health counselor to the schools for four hours each week.
