Principle Investigator:  Melissa Thomas

Program Director: Lisa Shumaker

Program Coordinator: Markay Adams

Duration: Three years, ending September 29, 2012 - $500,000/year

The purpose of Arizona’s Suicide Prevention Project is to reduce the rate of completed suicide among Arizona youth, ages 15-24.  The project involves developing the capacity of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) organizations to incorporate evidence based strategies into their programs.  Simultaneously, the project provides training in gatekeeping and climate improvement for education, behavioral health and juvenile corrections.

The Arizona Suicide Prevention Project is a partnership among three organizations:  The Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Behavioral Health Services (ADHS/DBHS), Arizona State University (ASU), and the Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition (AzSPC) and involves implementation of key components of Arizona’s strategic plan for suicide prevention.

Universal components of the project involve establishment of a gatekeeper training network, provision of gatekeeper training, and ongoing training for educators, behavioral health providers, and juvenile corrections professionals in suicide prevention and in how to develop a safe and supportive climate for LGBTQ youth.

An indicated component of the project involves pilot testing an emergency room intervention with a hospital in Maricopa County.  In addition, the project will work to develop referral networks to increase access to need health services for at risk youth, as well as, expand availability of support services for survivors of suicide.