September 13, 2024- In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), Cardinal Health, and Zero Suicide Institute (ZSI) celebrate early success of the Preventing Youth Suicide Collaborative, a collaborative funded by the Cardinal Health Foundation, led by CHA, and informed by ZSI’s prevention expertise.
Since 2022, 30 children’s hospitals have focused on early detection and intervention, sharing innovative strategies and comprehensive approaches to suicide prevention. A 2020 pilot that included nine children’s hospitals and funded by Cardinal Health Foundation informed the current effort. Early findings show almost 320,000 children and youth have been screened, and 15% need mental health support and services.
To help expand the impact of the collaborative, ZSI developed a Zero Suicide Toolkit for Children’s Hospitals based on its work. It represents a significant step forward in pediatric suicide prevention, with implementation strategies and resources specifically for children and youth, ensuring that hospitals have the necessary tools to effectively address suicide risk and deliver timely care.