Menu of Suicide Prevention Actions

What State and System Leaders can do...

Develop training for law enforcement officers who rescue missing children, primarily runaways to assess risk factors for suicide and provide resources for children and families.

Develop a statewide suicide prevention program for first responders that includes an anonymous crisis center phone line.

Identify gaps in legislation to protect youth from being bullied and harassed.

Require continuing education on suicide prevention for professionals who work with the public.

Expand gatekeeper training (e.g., to the staff of community service organizations and corporations).

Identify all funding resources and conceptualize how we will spend them.

Implement programs that combine effective screening with treatment teams.

Develop new programs for working with juvenile offenders with substance abuse issues that are not punitive.

Create a council that represents all groups working in mental health and suicide prevention in Florida.

Create a resource directory of all suicide prevention efforts and resources around the state which is updated continually. (ODC created one for 2006)

Establish satellite offices in each region so there are local resources in each community.

Expand mental health services to children and youth in schools and after school programs.

Identify and support programs targeted to at-risk youth that are found to have a higher suicide rate than the Florida average for that demographic group.

Implement programs that provide shelter and education for lesbian/gay/bi-sexual/transgender youth and support for their parents.

Make human service agencies and hotlines aware of the resources available in the state.

Encourage gun shows and shops in Florida to distribute free gun locks and disseminate materials advertising the National Lifeline hotline number.