More than $1 Million in Grants: Promoting Followup Services for Those at High Risk of Suicide
SAMHSA recently announced the award of six grants totaling more than $1 million over 3 years to help crisis centers throughout the country develop special followup services for people at high risk of dying by suicide.
Symbolic “big checks” were presented to the grant recipients at a ceremony held recently at SAMHSA headquarters in Rockville, MD.
“Today’s event highlights the extraordinary work that National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s crisis centers are performing in saving lives and providing hope to those in crisis,” said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric B. Broderick, D.D.S., M.P.H. “These grants will begin a national effort to ensure follow up support for people who reach out for help through the Lifeline.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) network works with suicide prevention crisis centers throughout the Nation. The Lifeline network provides round-the-clock phone counseling and referral services to callers contemplating suicide or callers concerned about a friend or loved one who may be in crisis.
These services provide important help to those in crisis, including emergency intervention when necessary. Studies show, however, that many people in danger of attempting suicide often do not follow through in getting timely treatment.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis centers selected for these grants will develop or expand systems to determine callers who may be at higher risk and provide them with special follow up services needed to get them help.
Six awards for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis counseling centers from around the country are funded up to $67,000 per year in total costs for up to 3 years. Continuation awards are subject to the availability of funds and progress achieved by awardees. The funds are awarded and administered by SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS).
Grant awardees and their anticipated yearly grant amounts are:
Mental Health Association of New York City, New York, NY — $67,000. Grant monies will improve systems for determining callers who may be at higher risk and assisting them in getting proper follow-up help.
Crisis Connection, Richfield, MN — $67,000. This grant will help fund the continuation of a 3-year study on effective measures for providing suicidal callers increased access to critical support services after their initial call for help.
Integrated Health Resources, LLC, Atlanta, GA — $67,000. Grant monies will supplement ongoing programs for following up on the status and needs of high-risk clients following their initial calls.
Helpline Center, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD — $67,000. Grant funds will support systems for assessing high-risk callers and providing necessary support services for helping assure proper followup treatment.
Third Level Crisis Intervention Center, Traverse City, MI — $15,000. The grant will help develop followup services for high risk callers who may need additional help in accessing treatment.
Contra Costa Crisis Center, Walnut Creek, CA — $67,000. Grant monies will help implement a system of follow up phone counseling and assistance services for suicidal callers needing help in getting proper treatment.
For more about SAMHSA grants, visit SAMHSA’s Web site or Grants.gov.