707: New National Suicide Prevention Strategy Explained, Washington State Launches 9-8-8 Campaign

ROBERT JOHNSON:   

This is the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition for Tuesday, July 16, 2024. I'm Robert Johnson. Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. 

DEBORAH STONE:   

This strategy really sets forth a bold 10-year comprehensive whole of society approach to prevention through four strategic directions. 

JOHNSON:   

Dr. Deborah Stone at the CDC explains two of the four components that make up a new national strategy to prevent suicide. 

STONE:   

The first strategic direction focuses on community based suicide prevention, specifically, really things that can help prevent suicide risk in the first place and prevent suicidal crises. And the second strategic direction focuses on treatment and crisis intervention, including a focus on continuity of care and supporting people through care transitions, of course also 9-8-8.  

JOHNSON:  

The third, would improve the quality and timeliness of data. The fourth, wants to make sure marginalized communities are included. Stone adds, the latest document includes a lot of new content.  

STONE:   

Examples include a focus on the intersection of suicide and substance use the role of adverse childhood experiences and suicide, the role of social media and suicide prevention. Other areas include making sure that states and communities have the resources they need to implement a comprehensive approach to prevention via data or workforce development or funding.  

JOHNSON: 

Stone says the new strategy can help ASTHO members update their plans. 

STONE:   

The health officials can take the strategy and they can look at their own state or other jurisdictional suicide prevention strategies that they have. And those strategies may need updating or refreshing it's been a while since they've been looked at.  

JOHNSON: 

You can download a copy of the strategy using the link in the show notes. 

Washington State has a new campaign and website to raise awareness about the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline.  

NIKKI MELINE:   

37% of folks that we spoke with were unfamiliar with 9-8-8, and about 80% of folks whose first language is not english hadn't even heard of the lifeline.  

JOHNSON:  

Nikki Meline says that polling reinforces the need for an education campaign. 

MELINE:   

The campaign overall seeks to provide resources to people in crisis in Washington. Build awareness of the lifeline reduce disparities within groups most affected by suicide, and ultimately driving action to prevent suicide. 

JOHNSON:   

Meline adds the new website tries to answer important questions about the 9-8-8 lifeline. 

MELINE:   

How it works, what happens when you call, a bit about the crisis counselors who are answering the calls. And just generally you know who can call, who can use the lifeline, which spoiler is everybody.  

JOHNSON:   

Read more about the campaign and check out the new website using the link in the show notes.  

Another project in Washington State studied how tobacco users enrolled in medicaid access care. You can hear from local public health officials involved in the CDC funded project during an ASTHO webinar this Wednesday, July 17. The event begins at noon Eastern time, sign up using the link in the show notes.  

Finally, this morning, stay connected to everything happening in public health when you sign up for ASTHO's Public Health Weekly email newsletter. Join the list by clicking the link in the show notes.  

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That'll do it for today. We're back tomorrow morning with more ASTHO news and information. I'm Robert Johnson. You're listening to the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition. Have a great day.