Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Nebraska overall and the first leading cause of death among those aged 10-14 years (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). In an effort to reduce the suicide rate, the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Plan identifies 8 strategies that communities, organizations and individuals can work together on to reach the desired outcome of zero suicides in Nebraska:
Strategy 1: Increase Nebraskans’ knowledge of factors promoting wellness and recovery.
Strategy 2: Increase the number of Nebraskans who know warning signs and how to help someone who is at risk for suicide.
Strategy 3: Integrate evidence informed, culturally sensitive suicide prevention strategies in all systems serving Nebraskans.
Strategy 4: Increase local/regional collaborations addressing health promotion and early prevention.
Strategy 5: Increase clinical expertise in assessment and management of suicide risk across the state.
Strategy 6: Increase availability of crisis management services across the state.
Strategy 7: Expand the use of regularly collected data to measure progress toward achievement of suicide prevention goals and action plans at all levels (state, regional, local, organizational).
Strategy 8: Increase coordination of data dissemination at all levels.
In an effort to assist with preventing suicide, Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department has two certified Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) instructors available to provide training to schools, businesses and organizations. QPR is a 60-90 workshop that teaches individuals the tools that they need to effectively intervene on behalf of those who are suicidal or in-crisis. Key components covered in the training include:
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How to question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal
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How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide
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Common causes of suicidal behavioral
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Warning signs of suicide
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How to get help for someone in crisis
If your school, organization or business is interested in learning more about QPR training available from Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department, please call (402) 529-2233.
Nebraska and National Suicide Statistical Data Reports:
Nebraska Suicide Facts and Figures: 2018
Nebraska Veteran Suicide Data Sheet 2015
VA National Suicide Data Report - Updated June 2018
Updated 2/20/19