MagellanOfAz.com

Program & Services

Clinical Initiatives

Suicide Prevention and Intervention Initiative

Framework SuicideWith Arizona ranked seventh highest in the nation for the number of reported suicides, Magellan Health Services of Arizona is focusing the spotlight on one of the most high-risk groups - those experiencing mental illness. It's a fact that individuals suffering from severe mental illness are six times more likely to die from suicide than the general population.

That's why Magellan has joined forces with the Arizona Department of Health Services' Division of Behavioral Health Services, Magellan's network of service providers, members of Arizona's judicial and legislative branches and other community stakeholders in a suicide prevention and intervention initiative. The goal is to help reduce the suicide rate in Maricopa County by equipping behavioral health-care staff with the skills, knowledge, attitudes and support to more effectively intervene and engage with those at
risk of suicide.

In 2010, more than 2,000 direct care provider staff will take part in a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a program that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified as a best practice for its network of crisis centers nationwide. In addition, Magellan has committed to sponsoring a series of quarterly webinars focused on the latest research on suicide as well as the valuable experiences of those who have attempted suicide and are fighting the stigma by openly sharing their struggles.

To learn more, please read the overview and browse the resources listed below. The suicide prevention page can be reached quickly at any time by using the URL www.MagellanofAZ.com/Suicide.

Charter and Key Documents

Events 

More information on upcoming events will be available shortly.

ASIST Training Materials Aug 2010 Thermometer.jpg

Newsroom

Date Publication Story
July 21, 2010 Arizona Republic (East Mesa and Gilbert editions) My Turn: County working to put focus on suicide prevention (by Dr. Richard Clarke 1.2MB).
May 19, 2010 Prensa Hispana Buscan frenar suicidios (article in Spanish)
January 13, 2010 Pat McMahon Show Magellan Suicide Prevention Initiative  (29MB)
December 16, 2009 The Weekly Spark Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) newsletter 
December 10, 2009 Arizona Republic Magellan Health Services alters approach to suicide prevention
November 16, 2009 Provider Weekly Dr. Joiner Suicide Prevention Webinar 
October 13, 2009 NBC 12 News Suicide, Crisis Calls and the Economy
October 7, 2009 East Valley Tribune Changing course of suicide in Maricopa County
September 26, 2009 Arizona Republic - Chandler Professional help is available for those at risk of suicide
September 10, 2009 Pat McMahon Show World Suicide Prevention Day (33MB)

 

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If you have any questions about your services, please call Magellan at (800) 564-5465, TTY (800) 424-9831. If you are in crisis, call the Maricopa Crisis Line at (800) 631-1314, TTY (800) 327-9254. For emergencies, please always dial 911.



This page last updated: Friday, August 27, 2010.