Decreasing Pediatric Suicide Through Collaboration

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 24 years in the United States, with rates increasing significantly since 2007 due to factors including increased firearm access and worsening youth mental health. Franklin County, Ohio, reflects national trends, and a regional collaborative aims to reduce pediatric suicide rates by 25% by 2030. METHODS Nationwide Children’s Hospital led a collaborative quality improvement initiative to address youth suicide by focusing on protective factors and mitigating suicide vulnerability through health care and community-based interventions, including the Zero Suicide framework and school-based prevention programs. RESULTS The Signs of Suicide prevention program, implemented in more than 275 Ohio schools and reaching more than 85 000 students, combines trusted adult and student training with universal depression and suicide screening to increase early identification, provide steps to access care, and reduce suicidal behaviors. The suicide safer care bundle for health care centered around screening, assessment, safety planning, and lethal means counseling. Efficient processes for supporting care transitions, like the Caring Contacts text messaging program, were implemented across multiple sites to bridge gaps in follow-up care. Educational platforms promote children’s mental health, break stigmas, and provide resources for suicide prevention to the community and the health care workforce. CONCLUSION Our collaborative extends the Zero Suicide initiative by integrating community prevention strategies across diverse health care settings to reduce youth suicide. Although early results are promising, challenges in data collection and the need for community engagement highlight the importance of continued adaptation and widespread commitment to addressing youth suicide.