Ttbh zero suicide program - tropical texas behavioral health (ttbh) zero suicide program proposes to implement the zero suicide and prevention model for adults throughout our integrated system of care

The ttbh zero suicide program will provide support for the suicide safer care pathway. The target population will be adults with a serious mental illness (SMI) or serious emotional disturbance (SED) at risk for suicidal ideation and/or suicidal behavior in an outpatient behavioral health setting. Ttbh has 55 years in operation as the local mental health authority (lmha) for the region in south texas known as the RIO grande valley (RGV) composed of 1.3 million residents with about 90% hispanic population. Ttbh serves residents of hidalgo, cameron, and willacy counties with poverty levels of 23.9%, 24.4% and 24.7%, respectively, almost double of the state at 13.4% and the U.S. At 11.4%, based on 2020 US census. Hrsa identifies our counties as medically underserved areas and health professional shortage area for primary care, psychiatrist, psychologists, licensed professional counselors and licensed chemical dependency counselors. Additionally, our 2021 internal data indicates 24.50% of all clients assessed by ttbh outpatient services were considered low income and/or uninsured. From the ttbh adult population served, 6% identify as lgbt and of individuals experiencing homeless or displacement, 11% reported SUD/COD. Also, ttbh veterans account for 5% of all clients served. Ttbh serves an average of 34,000 persons annually with serious mentally illness and/or substance use disorders (SUD) with gold standard person-centered care. The region's rapidly growing population, pervasive poverty, high rates of unemployment and low educational attainment, high numbers of uninsured, and profound shortages of healthcare providers place the general population of the region at elevated risk for poor health outcomes. Ttbh is committed to implement the ttbh zero suicide program with fidelity through a service array of evidenced-based services which includes initial and ongoing assessments, case management, psychiatric services, psychosocial rehabilitation, natural supports and education, primary care services, substance use services and other services and supports critical to an individual's ability to live successfully in the community. Individuals that are placed on the pathway will be assigned to a pathway navigator that will assist the client in navigating their care during high-risk periods. Suicide is the 16TH leading cause of death in the ttbh catchment area. The area has experienced an 87.9% increase in suicide mortality rate per 100,000 population since 1999. Between 2001 to 2020, ttbh area experienced a 154.8% increase in suicide attempt inpatient hospitalizations per 100,000 population, which is 1.11X higher than the state of texas. With the implementation of this program, ttbh anticipates that annually at least 500 unduplicated clients from the overall number of clients served throughout the organization will receive a suicide risk screening for a total of 2,500 for the term of this program. Furthermore, at least 90% of clients that screen positive for suicide risk will have a comprehensive crisis risk assessment and a safety plan completed within the same day. Additionally, individuals that receive services through the suicide safe care pathway will receive face-to face contact at least every 7 days with a suicide risk screening completed at every contact. Ttbh also proposes to continue staff development by providing as+k about suicide to save a life gatekeeper training, counseling on access to lethal means (calm) training, safety plan intervention (SPI) training, and risk formulation training.