Implementing zero suicide in a homeless health care system - this project will implement the zero suicide framework across a federally qualified health center and health care for the homeless…

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded $400,000 to Boston Health Care For The Homeless Program on September 30, 2026, under the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.532).

The recipient will implement the Zero Suicide Framework across its federally qualified health center and health care for the homeless program serving adults experiencing homelessness in Boston. The initiative will strengthen suicide prevention through standardized risk screening, assessment, evidence-based treatment, safety planning, lethal means counseling, care management, and timely follow-up after hospitalization. The program will integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention and Dialectical Behavior Therapy into care for individuals at risk. Workforce capacity will expand through designation of Zero Suicide clinical champions, staff training, and continuous quality improvement supported by a steering council. Expected outcomes include improved suicide risk identification, stronger workforce readiness, enhanced care coordination, and reduced suicide attempts and deaths among unhoused adults.

Work is performed in Roxbury, Massachusetts, with a period of performance extending through September 29, 2031. The assistance type is a project grant.

Implementing zero suicide in a homeless health care system - this project will implement the zero suicide framework across a federally qualified health center and health care for the homeless program serving adults experiencing homelessness in boston, massachusetts. The initiative will strengthen suicide prevention through standardized risk screening, assessment, evidence-based treatment, safety planning, lethal means counseling, care management, and timely follow-up after hospitalization. Workforce capacity will be expanded through zero suicide clinical champions, staff training, and continuous quality improvement supported by a steering council. Cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention and dialectical behavior therapy will be integrated into care for individuals at risk. Expected outcomes include improved suicide risk identification, stronger workforce readiness, enhanced care coordination, and reduced suicide attempts and deaths among unhoused adults.