Needs Statement

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among youth in the United States, and is particularly prevalent among Texas youth who are 66% more likely to have attempted suicide in the past year than the national estimate of youth suicide (Texas Department of State Health Services, 2018). Primary care providers (PCP) are uniquely positioned to identify acute periods of increases suicidal ideation and provide timely intervention. This recording is an overview of a primary care-adapted version of Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youth-Acute (SAFETY-A). SAFETY-A is a family-centered intervention developed by researchers at the UCLA ASAP center for youth “who have attempted suicide, engaged in self-harm behaviors, or expressed strong suicidal urges” (UCLA ASAP). This approach focuses on reducing risk and assisting with continuity of care, including collaborating with families and youth on developing a safety plan that includes restricting access to lethal means, and supportive protective factors like social connectedness. The goal of SAFETY-A is to improve linkage to outpatient care, rather than inpatient admission. This evidence-based training on stabilizing children and adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors equips PCPs with immediate skills to deploy in the moments that matter most. The aim of this recording is to educate PCPs about SAFETY-A intervention and trainings, and to encourage them to register for SAFETY-A full mastery and competency trainings.