Programs

Many suicides are preventable. At Forefront Suicide Prevention, we are translating the research and expertise of leading experts in suicide prevention at the University of Washington into innovative approaches that can save lives. The laws, programs and partnerships we have developed across the state are serving as a national model for bringing suicide prevention and mental health to the forefront of legislative agendas, school curricula and public awareness.

Forefront in the Schools

Forefront in the Schools is helping Washington high schools implement a comprehensive approach to mental health promotion and suicide prevention, including training for teachers, school counselors, students and parents; customized crisis plans; supportive linkages to community-based mental health services; and student-led mental health promotion activities.

Suicide Prevention in Higher Education

The Washington state legislature designated Forefront, in statute, to lead the state’s colleges and universities in suicide prevention and mental health promotion. An annual conference for participating colleges and universities helps disseminate key approaches and resources.

Safer Homes, Suicide Aware

More than half of all suicides involve a firearm, and a fifth of all suicides and suicide attempts involve medications. The Safer Homes, Suicide Aware campaign raises public awareness of suicide and offers immediate steps to take to make your homes safer. Research has shown that a temporary barrier between a person in crisis and a chosen means of suicide can be lifesaving.

Policy Reform

Our approach to policy and systems change enlists lawmakers, state agencies, the private sector and community partners in developing and implementing sustainable solutions. Forefront has been instrumental in the passage of nine bills in Washington related to suicide prevention, including the first state law in the nation requiring suicide prevention training for all health and behavioral health providers.

Public & Professional Education

Forefront is reaching diverse audiences with our training and consultation services. We customize our five-step prevention model for each audience to ensure that people understand how to spot signs of suicide risk in their setting and feel prepared to intervene.