OAHHS Hospital Voice Fall/Winter 2019

25 Fall/Winter 2019 Nearly 500 people participated in the forums, which provided a safe space for people to learn about and discuss suicidal ideation. Between July 2018 and June 2019, Salem Hospital and community partners trained more than 3,000 community members in a program called “Question, Persuade, and Refer,” a day-long course that spells out myths and facts about suicide and equips people with basic knowledge of how to recognize if a person is suicidal. SalemHealth staff also visit middle school and high school health classes, taking entire days to conduct six classes on the topic of suicide. “There has not been one time where I didn’t stay after class talking with kids who are opening up and saying, ‘I need your help’,” said Charlette Lumby, a Salem Health ICU clinical care nurse and member of the injury prevention team working on the initiative. “The response has been amazing.” The partnership has been well received by teachers and students, reaching 3,000 young people so far. “Our trainings meet the core curriculum requirements teachers have and they always like to have someone else presenting these topics,” said Kelly Owen, SalemHealth injury prevention coordinator. “We are not the students’ teachers or parents. There is something powerful about that anonymity.” Listening sessions and trainings reduce stigma by breaking the silence on this difficult subject. As young people find these conversations less intimidating, someone considering suicide is more likely to reach out for help at an earlier stage. There is evidence that this is happening. Between 2016 and 2017, the number of young people ages 9–24 seen at SalemHospital for suicidal ideation increased 53%, from 249 to 380. This figure grew to 768 in 2018 and is on track to increase another 16% based on numbers from early 2019. Building Peer Connections Moving forward, SalemHealth and community partners will begin promoting Sources of Strength, a best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture. Listening sessions and trainings reduce stigma by breaking the silence on this difficult subject. As young people find these conversations less intimidating, someone considering suicide is more likely to reach out for help at an earlier stage. “Sources of Strength addresses not only suicide, but bullying and substance abuse,” said Slama. “It prevents suicide by increasing help-seeking behaviors and promoting connections between peers and caring adults. We anticipate it will complement the other ongoing initiatives.” Adolescent mental health is a long- term challenge that begs long-term solutions. SalemHealth aspires to be a positive example within the state of Oregon—not only treating mental health issues in our hospital, but chipping away at the underlying causes to save lives down the road.