1. SUICIDE ATTEMPT DATA IN A SUICIDE PREVENTION PLANNING MODEL Susan E. Becker Ryan Mullins Mesa State College Prevention Planning Model Steps 1-3 1. Establish Clear Vision & Framework for Prevention 2-C. Assess Readiness for Prevention 2-B. Assess Resources 3-A. Prioritize Populations 2-A. Assess Demographics 3-B. Compare Populations, Risk/Protective Factors & Resources 4-B. Implement Programs to Address Risks Enhance Protection And Fill Gaps 5. Monitor Data to Evaluate Policy, Funding & Program Decisions 4-A. Promote Readiness For Prevention Step 2-A: Assess Demographics Suicide Attempts in Mesa County (2007) Method: Data was collected from all adult client contacts from the county mental health providers. Since not all those who attempt suicide seek help, these numbers are an underestimate. Results 21.66 % of adult MH clients at county provider 83.3% Caucasian, 11.8% Hispanic, 1% Asian 39.2% Male, 60.8% Female, Median Age = 35, range 18 – 62 43% of the suicide attempts were in the 30-49 age range. 27.5% on Medicaid/Medicare, 57% in the 30-49 age range Problem indicators 35.3% Had previous attempt 18.6% Had a mental illness 21.6% Reported Anxiety Problems, 68.6% Reported Depression, 9.8% Reported Family Problems,14.7% Reported Current Substance Abuse Problems 3.9% Reported a family history of suicide 38.2% Reported a history of substance abuse, 58% of those were female. 5.8% Were currently intoxicated or withdrawing from substances, 90% of those were female. Males age 18-21 reported the most problem areas followed by males age 50-69. Females reported fewer problems over-all, with ages 30-49 reporting the most problems (average of 2) Use of the Planning Model The suicide prevention planning model is designed to facilitate the prioritization of community prevention efforts. In Mesa County, this has lead to focused prevention campaigns in high risk populations, including men who work in construction and energy production fields, as well as prevention programs in middle schools. The attempt data will allow us to examine characteristics and needs of the community to develop new goals and priorities for intervention. Step 2-A. Assess Costs Average Suicide Cost Estimates (Mesa County Colorado, 2007) National Average Cost Data Medical Cost Per Death$ 2,091 Medical Cost Per Attempt$ 7,964 Work Loss Cost Per Death$ 1,012,040 Work Loss Cost per Attempt$ 13,715 Estimated Cost of Suicide to Mesa County in 2007 Costs Due to Suicide Deaths (N = 39) Medical Costs$ 81,549 Work Loss Costs$39,469,560 Costs Due to Suicide Attempts (N = 128) Medical Costs$ 1,019,392 Work Loss Costs$ 1,755,520 Total Cost of Suicide in Mesa County 2007$42,326,021 Step 2-B & C: Assess Resources & Readiness for Prevention Resources The prevention coalition has a variety of training resources available for community partners. ASIST 16 hour training – offered for college and continuing ed. credit Safe Teen – middle school based program for kids, parents and staff QPR training – 1-2 hour training for larger groups and community organizations (e.g. church groups) Readiness The biggest change in our community has been people’s willingness to have a dialogue and create funding for programs Suicide Prevention Foundation Yearly Town Hall Meetings Walk for Hope, Golf for Hope Step 3-A: Prioritize Populations In Mesa County there are 1.5 female attempts for each male attempt. This is half the national ratio of suicide attempts. Previous attempts are considered when assessing severity of risk. Male attempters are much less likely to have a previous attempt than female attempters. Hi priority prevention efforts should focus on adults with substance abuse problems, and people with potential mood disorders. The data suggest focused prevention efforts for adult middle age women, given the higher rate of attempts in that segment of the population. The Next Steps Given the high percentage of suicide attempts in the MH outpatient population, MH providers need to offer effective training for all staff responsible for assessing risk and treating suicidal behavior, based on the specialized populations being seen We need to add focused prevention efforts for middle age women, particularly those of lower income who may not qualify for Medicaid/Medicare Planning Model Steps 3-5