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Health Care Workers Hands In Teamwork
University of Utah Health

Zero Suicide Program

Health Care Workers Hands In Teamwork
University of Utah Health

Zero Suicide Program

University of Utah Health Zero Suicide Program

In health care, we have a unique opportunity to intervene and provide support to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. Through the implementation of evidence-based identification, risk stratification, prevention processes, and by creating a culture in which suicide prevention is woven into the fabric of the health care system, we can help prevention suicide deaths. 

University of Utah Health has embraced this challenge through the development of the Zero Suicide Program. Tasked with the implementation of the seven elements of the evidence based Zero Suicide Framework, our system strives toward the aspirational goal of zero suicides. We have committed to system-wide change focused on developing a culture that values comprehensive, integrated and evidence-based care for individuals struggling with suicide. 

The University of Utah Health Zero Suicide Program is not a patient facing clinical program. For behavioral health clinical resources available within the University of Utah Health system, please visit Huntsman Mental Health Programs & Services.

 

Zero Suicide Program Mission & Vision

Zero Suicide Program Mission

The University of Utah Health Zero Suicide Program is committed to developing a system-wide culture dedicated to dramatically reducing suicides by creating a competent, confident, and caring workforce –and identifying, engaging, and caring for individuals at risk for suicide through evidence-based screening, assessment, and treatment.

Zero Suicide Program Vision

Our vision is to decrease suicides in Utah by ensuring everyone in the University of Utah Health system who is at risk for suicide has a pathway to care that is timely and adequately meets their needs.

Team Work

Zero Suicide Program Goals

  • Develop a system-wide culture committed to reducing suicide and eliminating the stigma associated with addressing suicide.

  • Develop practice standards for effective suicide care through implementation of evidence-based patient engagement and treatment methods.

  • Develop methods of capturing and reporting on data for evaluation of system quality, practice compliance, and suicide prevention training effectiveness.


Progress Toward Goals

SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Suicide Prevention Educational Series

The University of Utah Health Zero Suicide Programs seeks to prevent suicide through public awareness and education.  Our educational series is designed to provide knowledge and training to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and empower individual to intervene and support those at risk for suicide.


JOIN US FOR OUR SEASON 3 SERIES:

Social Media Influence on Suicide Risk

September 11, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM

Sarah M. Coyne, PhD

The Relationship Between Suicide Risk and Trauma: How Does This Relationship Play Out for Healthcare Providers?

December 11, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM

Brooks Keeshin, MD

The Role of Medication in the Management of Suicidality

March 12, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM

J. John Mann, M.D.

 

Navigating the Clinical Terrain: Management of Acute Versus Chronic Suicide Risk

June 11, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM

Katherine Dixon-Gordon, PhD

 

REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT TRAINING!

March 12, 2026, 12:00pm-1:00pm

The Role of Medication in the Management of Suicidality with J. John Mann, MD

Suicide is a critical public health concern, and medication currently plays a significant role in its management. 

This presentation explores the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions in reducing suicidal ideation and behaviors, examining current research, treatment approaches, and the impact of medication on patient outcomes. 

By understanding the role of medication in suicidality, clinicians and researchers can work towards improving therapeutic approaches and enhancing patient care.

 

Suicide Prevention Educational Series

Watch Past Trainings and Access Slide Decks

2025-2026

Season 3

The Relationship Between Suicide Risk and Trauma

The Relationship Between Suicide Risk and Trauma (2025)

Social Media Influence on Suicide Risk 

Social Media Influence on Suicide Risk (2025)


2024-2025

Season 2

Ethics for Treating Individuals at Risk for Suicide

Ethics for Treating Individuals at Risk for Suicide (2025)

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Suicide Ideation

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Suicide Ideation (2025)

Suicide Prevention Approaches with Adolescents

Suicide Prevention Approaches with Adolescents (2024)

Prediction and Prevention: Mistakes We Need to Stop Making in Suicidology

Prediction and Prevention: Mistakes We Need to Stop Making in Suicidology (2024)


2023-2024

Season 1

Suicide Prevention within Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community

Suicide Prevention within Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community (2024)

Suicide Postvention: Navigating the Aftermath of a Suicide Attempt or Loss

Suicide Postvention: Navigating the Aftermath of a Suicide Attempt or Loss (2024)

Suicide Prevention in Healthcare with the Veteran Population

Suicide Prevention in Healthcare with the Veteran Population (2023)

Understanding Insomnia and Chronic Pain for Suicide & Clinical Approaches

Understanding Insomnia and Chronic Pain for Suicide & Clinical Approaches (2023)

Educational Resources for Professionals

Suicide Prevention: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means
Suicide Prevention: Suicide Safety Planning with Patients
Suicide Prevention: Talking with Patients about Suicide