January 2016


Care Coordination and Suicide Prevention 
         

Each week, crisis specialists in the 2-1-1 contact center answer more than 50 calls from people who are contemplating taking their own lives. The specialist listens carefully to the caller and asks probing questions to determine the best way to help. Specialists use their training to de-escalate agitated callers and to develop a basic safety plan to avoid a future emotional crisis.

There is often a long and complicated set of circumstances that bring a person to the point where they are having suicidal thoughts. Preventing a suicide in the moment is the highest priority but the Crisis Center recognizes the need to find long-term solutions as well. This is the reason for the Care Coordination program at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Anyone who calls the Crisis Center and discloses they are having suicidal thoughts is provided with the opportunity to opt into Care Coordination. This is a follow-up program where a Crisis Center Care Coordinator talks with the person over several days or even weeks to help them find solutions to their emotional crisis. The ultimate goal is to connect the person to resources and support so they're in an environment that contributes to long-term, positive mental health.

Each person's safety plan is unique. Some people may need professional assistance through a therapist or psychiatrist. Others may need to connect to informal support such as friends, family, or a faith-based group. The care coordinators encourage the utilization of mental health services, enjoyable activities, and positive relationships to help restore a hopeful, positive attitude about the future.

Your support of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay allows the 2-1-1 contact center and the Care Coordination program to be there 24 hours a day for people who are facing severe emotional crisis. You are invited to attend a 60 minute, lunchtime tour to learn more about the Crisis Center's crisis intervention programs. Click HERE to register for an upcoming tour.