Suicide risk involves complex interactions of risk and protective factors that extend beyond people as individuals. As recommended by the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Centers for Disease Control, we use the socioecological model as a practical framework to organize the broad range of factors influencing suicide risk and strategies used for prevention. The model proposes that at-risk individuals have relationships with people and connections with communities that all exist within a larger society. Effective prevention includes strategies to address risk and protective factors across all of these levels – individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal.
The graphic below provides an overview of the strategies we use at each level of prevention.
Policy & Societal (legislation, societal norms)
Work with state agencies; serve on state committees & task forces
Community (cities, neighborhoods, resources, norms)
Support comprehensive suicide prevention and best practices
via partnerships with community organization and coalitions
Organizational (workplaces, schools)
Tailored suicide prevention training for at-risk populations;
comprehensive suicide prevention programs for high schools
Interpersonal (families, friends, social networks)
LEARN gatekeeper trainings equip participants to ask someone
if they’re considering suicide, and connect them with help
Individual (knowledge, attitudes, skills, behaviors)
SAFER intervention educates individuals about lethal means safety
and gives free locking devices for firearms & medications