Implementing the zero suicide framework at carrier clinic to strengthen suicide prevention capacity - hackensack meridian health will implement the zero suicide framework at carrier clinic, new…

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded HMH Hospitals Corporation $400,000 on September 30, 2026, under the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.532) to implement the Zero Suicide Framework at Carrier Clinic in New Jersey.

HMH Hospitals Corporation, doing business as Hackensack University Medical Center, will deploy the Zero Suicide Framework at Carrier Clinic, New Jersey's largest freestanding psychiatric hospital, to strengthen suicide prevention capacity across inpatient, emergency, substance use, and outpatient behavioral health services. The project serves approximately 1,500–2,000 adults at risk for suicide annually and will enhance standardized suicide risk screening and reassessment, workforce training, evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention, safety planning, lethal means counseling, and post-discharge follow-up. Integrated electronic health record workflows and data-driven quality improvement will support consistent, coordinated care. Expected outcomes include improved suicide risk identification, stronger workforce capacity, enhanced care transitions, and a sustainable, systemwide approach to suicide prevention.

The award period runs from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2031. Work is performed at Carrier Clinic in Edison, New Jersey.

Implementing the zero suicide framework at carrier clinic to strengthen suicide prevention capacity - hackensack meridian health will implement the zero suicide framework at carrier clinic, new jersey's largest freestanding psychiatric hospital, to strengthen suicide prevention for adults receiving inpatient, emergency, substance use, and outpatient behavioral health services. Serving approximately 1,500-2,000 adults at risk for suicide annually, the project will enhance standardized suicide risk screening and reassessment, workforce training, evidence-based interventions, safety planning, lethal means counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention, and post-discharge follow-up. Integrated electronic health record workflows and data-driven quality improvement will support consistent, coordinated care. Expected outcomes include improved suicide risk identification, stronger workforce capacity, enhanced care transitions, and a sustainable, systemwide approach to suicide prevention.