With a new suicide screening, Lakeshore Community Health Care could impact over 12,000 lives
SHEBOYGAN — Lakeshore Community Health Care has implemented a new suicide questionnaire aimed at saving more lives.
Starting this month, patients older than 10 years will be asked questions on an evidence-based screening from the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale during dental appointments, according to a news release. The organization plans to incorporate the survey into all its services.
To assess suicide risks, patients could be asked six questions related to recent suicidal ideation, from thoughts to planning. Individuals with recent suicidal thoughts will receive further assistance to get the support they need, the news release said.
LCHC CEO Kristin Stearns said efforts to save lives need to broaden beyond the mental health system.
“We want every person at LCHC to know how to identify and support someone in need, whether it’s a patient, colleague or loved one,” Stearns said. “Health care systems play a vital role in suicide prevention.”
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More than 48,000 people die by suicide each year in the U.S., according to 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. For the state, the suicide rate increased by more than 30% from 2000 to 2020.
Shelby Kuhn, chief behavioral health officer at LCHC, estimates implementing C-SSRS could impact more than 12,000 patients across areas LCHC serves.
Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 mental health and crisis support.
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This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Lakeshore Community Health Care implements new suicide screening
