In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts of the 0 Suicide Initiative, which was adopted by the Community Care Services (CCS) in 2018. The initiative aims to address the critical issue of suicide prevention, with Gallant County being one of the first to sign on as a 0 Suicide County. While the goal of completely eliminating suicide is recognized as aspirational, officials emphasized that any loss of life to suicide is unacceptable.

The initiative comprises two main assessments: an external assessment conducted by Portland State University and an internal assessment by CCS. Over the past five years, CCS has reported significant improvements in staff confidence and training related to suicide care, although they acknowledge that more work remains to be done.

Key components of the initiative include leadership commitment, workforce training, and community engagement. CCS has implemented various training programs, including QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, aimed at equipping community members with the skills to respond effectively to individuals expressing suicidal thoughts.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of identifying individuals at higher risk, ensuring they receive appropriate treatment, and facilitating successful transitions back into the community after care. A dedicated 0 Suicide leadership committee and a coordinator position, funded through a private grant, are in place to oversee these efforts.

Officials expressed their passion for the initiative and its significance, particularly in light of the impact of suicide on the community. They encouraged open dialogue and questions from commissioners, underscoring the importance of continued focus on this critical public health issue. Additionally, the meeting touched on the audit process for the Medicaid funding program, ensuring compliance in the provision of behavioral health services.