Atrium Health has continually demonstrated a steadfast commitment to reaching every corner of the local population with critical behavioral health services. In addition to offering outpatient behavioral healthcare virtually for the safety of patients and healthcare providers, Atrium Health continues to improve efforts to support patients through innovative programs such as Zero Suicide.
Nearly three years after the start of the pandemic, as many continue to struggle with isolation, depression, and other mental health challenges, Atrium Health’s Zero Suicide Program is responding in full force. Zero Suicide is designed to train healthcare providers, as well as non-clinical teammates, to ensure individuals at risk for suicide do not fall through the cracks. Bolstered by a recent grant of $100,000 from Cardinal Health Foundation, the program will soon expand to reach more patients than ever before, in partnership with Atrium Health Levine Children’s.
Since launching in 2019, the Zero Suicide Program has trained more than 700 Atrium Health teammates. The program aims to ensure timely interventions can occur in any medical setting, whether acute care, primary care, or behavioral health. Until now, this safety-net program has primarily emphasized suicide prevention among adult patients. More recently, in response to the alarming increase in suicide rates among children and adolescents, Atrium Health is doubling down on efforts to reach at-risk youth as well. In addition to training teammates, the program offers resources to aid family members and caretakers in suicide risk recognition and early intervention.
With support from Cardinal Health Foundation, the Zero Suicide Program at Atrium Health will expand to emergency care for children and adolescents, as well as inpatient and ambulatory care.
“I am very excited about this grant and what this means for our Zero Suicide expansion, as well as the developing partnership with Levine Children’s,” shared Kate Penny, MA, LCMHC, Zero Suicide program coordinator for Atrium Health Behavioral Health.
Visit this website to learn more about Atrium Health’s comprehensive behavioral health resources.
