DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been awarded $3.5 million over five years to implement the “Zero Suicide” model across Iowa. The state will partner with Foundation2, IDPH’s contractor for the Your Life Iowa helpline, and with treatment programs across the state to ensure all 99 counties are represented. Foundation2 answers Your Life Iowa calls, texts and chats for the state.
The purpose of this program is to implement suicide prevention and intervention programs that are designed to raise awareness of suicide, establish referral processes, and improve care and outcomes for individuals who are at risk of suicide. In addition, the state will contract with Foundation 2 to provide training and technical assistance in support of Zero Suicide strategic plans, including Suicide Care Management plans and follow-ups.
All award recipients, as well as IDPH staff, will be trained in the Zero Suicide model and additional trainings will be offered through the life of the grant funding.
According to IDPH, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Iowans ages 15 through 34, and the ninth leading cause of death overall in Iowa. 433 Iowans died by suicide in 2017.