Clinical Initiatives
Suicide Prevention and Intervention Initiative
With 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
- Steering Committee Charter
- Clinical Initiative Framework - Brief
- Clinical Initiative Framework - Detailed
- Workforce Survey PowerPoint (3MB)
Events
More information on upcoming events will be available shortly.
ASIST Training Materials 
- ASIST Progress Report (Updated: 08-26-10)
- Southwest Network and CHOICES ASIST Brochure
- TERROS ASIST Brochure
- Partners in Recovery and People of Color Network ASIST Brochure
- Provider feedback on ASIST training
- Trainee feedback on ASIST training
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) |
Back to Clinical Initiatives page
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.