JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A newly published statewide plan is now available to help Missourians prevent and lower the risk of suicide in their families and communities. The five-year plan was written by the Missouri Suicide Prevention Network (MSPN) in partnership with the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Department of Mental Health.
Missouri continues to have a higher suicide rate of 18.7 compared to the national average of 14.04 per 100,000 people. The Missouri Suicide Prevention Plan (MSPP) offers suggestions for what citizens can do in their communities to make a difference. Actions to take now include visiting Missouri988.org, spreading the word about 988, getting trained, and supporting community-led efforts to promote suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention care.
Read the Missouri Suicide Prevention Plan to learn how to make a difference.
Raising public awareness about suicide risk and prevention is a top priority for the MSPN, which is a group of independent, non-partisan, volunteers and representatives from public and private agencies that lead statewide suicide prevention efforts. Additional priorities include supporting local coalitions and partnering with diverse groups impacted by suicide to increase awareness of suicide prevention resources. MSPN is willing and available to help communities put plans into practice. Email MSPN at admin@mospn.org for assistance or go to Missouri Suicide Prevention Network for additional information and resources.
For more information, contact Debra Walker at debra.walker@dmh.mo.gov or 573-751-1647.