OVERVIEW

Suicide Prevention: Evidence-Based Strategies Course is organized by Professional Development Resources (PDR), Inc.

Course Description:
Suicide Prevention: Evidence-Based Strategies is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that reviews evidence-based research and offers strategies for screening, assessment, treatment, and prevention of suicide in both adolescents and adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, “Suicide is a serious but preventable public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities.” The CDC recommends a public health approach, with prevention efforts emanating from individuals, families, and communities who make changes to affect the social environment. Healthcare professionals and teachers can contribute to prevention efforts through awareness, promotion of resilience, and a commitment to social change.

Any approach to a mental health issue should be made using an evidence-based approach. The Evidence-Based Behavioral Practice Project (EBBP), funded by the Office of Behavioral & Social Sciences Research, recommends that professionals in the health and social sciences acquire and use a “shared vocabulary and conceptual grounding” to help share ideas and skills based on research and proven efficacy.

Prevention is key: reducing risk factors and promoting resilience. This course will provide a review of evidence-based studies so that healthcare professionals are informed on this complex subject. Information from the suicide prevention technical package from the CDC will be provided. Included also are strategies for screening and assessment, prevention considerations, methods of treatment, and resources for choosing evidence-based suicide prevention programs.

Learning Objectives:
• Describe the impact of suicide in the United States
• List three uniform definitions used in suicide treatment and prevention
• Name three high-risk factors for suicide
• Identify a treatment strategy for a person at risk for suicide
• List two methods/programs for suicide prevention
• List two resources available to select an evidence-based suicide prevention program