Suicide Prevention

Suicide has grown into a major public health problem. In response, New York State has been pursuing impactful suicide prevention programming. While both the nation and State have seen an increase in the suicide rate over the last two decades, New York’s rate has stayed about the same since 2012.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists New York as having one of the lowest suicide rates in the nation. But even one death by suicide is too many.

More work must be done.

What Is New York State Doing to Prevent Suicide?

OMH's Suicide Prevention Center (SPCNY)

The mission of OMH SPCNY is to promote, coordinate, and advance suicide prevention across the state.

Our aim is reducing suicide attempts and deaths among New Yorkers.

Visit www.preventsuicideny.org to find trainings, county-coalitions, and other resources.

Research & Collaboration

• The 2019 Suicide Prevention Task Force report focuses on high-risk populations highlighting strategies to support communities in effective suicide prevention.
• OMH sponsors Suicide Prevention Conferences bringing together experts in suicide prevention.

Innovative Programs

• New York is the first state in the nation to put in place the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP). The program has been shown to reduce new suicide attempts by previous attempt-survivors.
• OMH is a leader in promoting the Zero Suicide initiative. More than 500 outpatient mental health clinics use the Zero Suicide model of care.
• The CARES UP initiative helps Uniformed Personnel learn to manage stress and seek help when they need it. This program builds on resiliency, bravery, teamwork, and connection
• Capital Connect provides critical support and fosters connection among those most at-risk in New York’s four-county Capital District.

Training

New York State provides a variety of training and resources to meet the specific needs of:

• New York State employees
• Clinicians and healthcare workers
• Community members
• School Staff & Administrators
• Faith Communities

Resources:

• Helping Those Who Help Others
  A steering committee, made up of uniformed personnel to help prevent suicide.
• When clinicians lose a client to suicide
  A guide for professionals after the loss of a client.
• Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide
  A resource for media covering suicide.
• Suicide Prevention in New York Schools
  Resources and best practices for educators.
• Reports on Suicide Prevention Activities
  Outlines suicide prevention programs OMH is overseeing and supporting across the State.
• 1700 Too Many: the 2016-2017 New York State Suicide Prevention Plan
  This plan uses data to assess efforts over time with the goal of suicide prevention.
• Spotlight on Suicide
  Highlights the challenges faced by different New York populations surrounding suicide.
• Stress Management Tips
  Ways to manage the stress of student life.
• How To Help Someone Experiencing Emotional Distress
  Learn the FACTS. How you can support someone experiencing emotional distress.
• Language Matters
  Learn some of the terms to use and which terms to avoid surrounding suicide.