Since 1990, the MHA has honored member healthcare organizations working to enrich the overall welfare of their local communities through the Ludwig Community Benefit Award. This year, the MHA is excited to showcase all award nominees, highlighting the exceptional and creative work being accomplished by Michigan’s hospitals.
Trinity Health Livonia (THLA) Hospital, a 2023 Ludwig nominee, is addressing gaps in behavioral health through their Western Wayne Suicide Prevention Coalition (WWSPC), a community-based program focused on preventing youth suicides.
Through a Community Health Needs Assessment, behavioral health struggles – primarily mental health and substance abuse – were identified as top concerns among adolescents in Western Wayne County. In one survey conducted by the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY), it was found that at least 4% of high school students and 11% of middle school student reported suicide attempts.
With the understanding that students needed better access to behavioral health resources, the WWSPC created a comprehensive program to train more than 20,000 people – teens, families, school staff and community members – to change policies and support suicide prevention. Over the last several years, the coalition has grown to be a collaboration between THLA, seven school districts and seven community-based organizations that represent counselors, social workers, psychologists, regional educators and many other local experts.
WWSPC provides evidence-based behavioral health services, youth activities and education to decrease stigma and improve early detection of depression and suicide. As one example, more than 3,000 school staff (teachers, custodial staff, bus drivers, etc.) and 1,000 students have been trained on the life-saving suicide prevention model Question, Persuade, Refer. The intent of this method is to identify and interrupt a mental health crisis and direct the individual to proper care.
Looking ahead, the coalition is continuing efforts that support the mission of zero youth suicides in WWSPC schools. This includes expanding access to mental health screenings and treatment, developing safety plans for students returning to school after a suicide attempt, teaching skills to manage mental health, and procedural changes that equip staff to monitor and communicate with students who may be struggling.
Members with questions about the program or the Ludwig Community Benefit Award should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.
Those struggling are encouraged to dial the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in U.S.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is also a confidential, free, 24-hour service for English and Spanish-speaking individuals a facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
