New Suicide App Coming for Primary Care Providers

More than 40,000 Americans die by suicide every year, and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, according to a recent reminder from the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Agencies.

As the new year approaches, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is preparing to release a free mobile app—optimized for tablets—called Suicide Safe, a suicide prevention learning tool for behavioral health and primary care providers. Suicide Safe helps providers integrate suicide prevention strategies into their practice and reduce suicide risk among their patients.

SAMHSA’s Suicide Safe helps providers:

• Explore the Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T) card and easily download for use offline.
• Study interactive sample cases that allow you to learn and review the five steps of the SAFE-T as you progress through case scenarios and tips.
• Access information, including suicide prevention wallet/pocket guides, educational opportunities, and other supportive resources.
• Access patient education materials, including crisis hotline wallet cards, fact sheets, and treatment resources.
• Browse conversation starters that provide sample language and tips for talking with patients about their suicidal ideation.
• Use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to provide timely referrals for patients.

The Suicide Safe app will be available in early 2015 for mobile devices. To be notified when the app is released,  click here.