Suicide Prevention: Provider Resource Letter with Tools and Resources

This information is being provided by the Dental Board of California on behalf of the California Departments of Health Care Services and Public Health and the Office of the California Surgeon General.

The California Departments of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Public Health (CDPH) and the Office of the California Surgeon General (OSG) are reaching out due to the ongoing concerns of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic and the immediate and long-term impacts on the mental health of California’s residents. Mental health concerns resulting from social isolation, financial insecurity, and unemployment increase deaths from suicide, overdose, and illness and further exacerbate inequities.

Health care providers have an opportunity to screen, intervene, and prevent these events. Please review the letter linked below for health care providers tools and resources to help address mental health concerns and suicide prevention.

The following tools and resources described in the letter can save a life:

  • Suicide screening (four questions), including how to address responses that are at “imminent risk” or “potential risk” of suicide
  • Zero-Suicide Model
  • Overdose and Suicide
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Suicide
  • Additional tools and resources, including the county behavioral health access lines and emotional support websites and hotlines

The letter also includes important information and guides for self-care, including COVID-19 counseling for health care workers.

Please take this opportunity to learn, share, and utilize the resources in your community. Health care professionals can help people get needed care, support, and resources.

To learn more about suicide prevention efforts in California, review the California’s Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention 2020-2025.

We appreciate your time and ongoing efforts to protect the health of our communities.

LINKS:

Letter for Health Care Providers: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/COVID-19/Health-Care-Provider-Suicide-Prevention-6-29-20.pdf

California’s Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention: https://mhsoac.ca.gov/sites/default/files/Suicide%20Prevention%20Plan_Final.pdf