Centerstone introducing new Zero Suicide initiative

Centerstone to increase training and knowledge with new initiative

Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care is introducing a zero suicide initiative at its locations in Illinois. While Centerstone has long had a focus on crisis and suicide prevention services, the goal of this new initiative is to add further resources around the issue of suicide.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), in 2018 48,244 Americans died by suicide and it is estimated that there were 1.4 million suicide attempts across the country. Madison County reported 35 deaths by suicide in 2019.

“Zero lives lost to suicide has always been our goal and the Zero Suicide initiative will further support that goal,” said Jenna Farmer-Brackett, clinical manager at Centerstone. “As a society we truly get closer to the goal of losing zero lives to suicide by everyone working together to increase comfort around talking openly and non-judgmentally about suicide.”

The Zero Suicide initiative will additionally help clients by providing a safe place for them to talk about suicide, help erase the stigma of talking about this issue and will educate people to have conversations and take steps to get help.

Educational trainings and professional development opportunities will be provided to staff to further increase comfort and knowledge around suicide, suicide screenings and supporting clients when safety may be a concern.

“As we grow, this initiative will continue to change and evolve with our organization,” said John Markley, CEO of Centerstone. “We are committed to delivering care that changes people’s lives.”

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis TextLine at 741741.

For more information about this program and others, you can connect with Centerstone by calling 1-877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) or visiting centerstoneconnect.org.