About
The Zero Suicide movement was initially launched by the U.S. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention in 2012 with the intention of enhancing suicide care in healthcare systems across the country. Studies showed that as many as 95% of people visited a healthcare facility the year before their suicide attempt. So, a model based on seven evidence-based training components was developed and thousands of healthcare workers across the country have now been trained to detect potential mental health issues and reach out to people who are struggling. The initiative has proven extremely successful, saving countless lives.
That said, nearly 50,000 people still take their own lives each year and even more are plagued with suicidal thoughts. That means that in addition to continuing to expand the training in healthcare facilities, we must enlist others to help. Family, friends, colleagues, bosses, coaches and teachers – we all can help prevent suicide.
That’s why LSF Health Systems, supported by SAMSHA, launched Zero Suicide Jax – a local campaign focused on getting our entire community engaged in learning the warning signs, reaching out to those we see struggling and making changes in the workplace to prevent suicide.
The local community-based movement began with a Zero Suicide Jax Summit, held on Aug.14. It hosted state legislators, community leaders, behavioral health professionals, educators, advocates and individuals with lived experience for an empowering, solutions-focused conference dedicated to advancing suicide prevention across Jacksonville.
During that day of powerful connection, learning and action, some 300 people gathered to:
Discover how Jacksonville is aligning with statewide strategies to reduce suicide and promote mental wellness.
Hear from local and national experts sharing innovative, evidence-based solutions that save lives.
Be moved by real stories that bring the urgency of this work to life.
Connect with cross-sector partners who share your commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community.
Walk away with clear, actionable steps you can take to support suicide prevention efforts right here in Jacksonville.
The next steps are up to all of us – individuals and corporations joining together to be a part of a movement that will help save lives. Please take the Zero Suicide Jax pledge today.
Want to play a more prominent role in affecting powerful change?
Consider joining the Zero Suicide Jax Steering Committee, which is focused on increasing participation in the movement and making strides in quality improvement. Please email your contact information to info@zerosuicidejax.org with the subject line: Steering Committee.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., LSF Health Systems is a behavioral health Managing Entity (ME), contracted by the Florida Department of Children and Families, dedicated to overseeing behavioral healthcare for people who face poverty and are without insurance. For more information, visit lsfhealthsystems.org.