Zero Suicide plan receives $2 million

RICHMOND – On Monday, at Harvest Acres Farm, U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Reps. Jim Langevin, and R.I. Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, announced $2 million in federal funding for South County Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds’ Zero Suicide in Washington County program. The funding will help establish a new, wide-ranging program for health care providers across the region to screen for the warning signs of suicide and provide vital services to further assess and care for those at risk of suicide.

“This initiative is a comprehensive approach that has brought in advocates and family members who have been impacted by suicide to bring help, hope, and light to those in need who are going through a dark time. The more people are aware, the sooner they can recognize the signs and connect to the right assistance,” said Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, who co-authored a 40 percent increase in funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to provide more suicide prevention resources in the FY2019 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) Appropriations bill.

“Making sure health care professionals have the training and resources to lend care and support to those fighting depression and thoughts of suicide will go a long way toward getting us to zero suicides,” said Whitehouse. “I’m thrilled to see this funding come to South County to help Rhode Islanders lead healthier, happier lives.”

“South County Health’s Zero Suicide in Washington County program will use a holistic approach to raise awareness, improve care coordination and overcome the stigma that prevents too many people from seeking help,” said Langevin.