Innovative Approaches to Preventing Youth Suicide
We are committed to eliminating youth suicide in the Greater Cincinnati Region. We lead several initiatives that help identify, prevent and manage suicide risk among children and teens.
Clinical and Community-Based Initiatives
Our clinical and community-based suicide prevention initiatives help patients, mental health providers, teachers and other support staff at school, in the community and at home.
Zero Suicide
Zero Suicide is one of our overarching suicide prevention initiatives. It proposes a national, practical framework for system-wide transformation toward safer suicide care—fueled by the belief that suicide among individuals under the care of healthcare systems is preventable. Through Zero Suicide, our goal is to reduce the number of patients at Cincinnati Children’s who die by suicide.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) integrates cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals manage intense emotions, enhance interactions with others and create a fulfilling life. The therapy usually includes one-on-one and group sessions, along with phone coaching for additional support. By imparting practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT empowers youth to navigate challenging situations and work toward their life-worth-living goals.
Firearm-Related Injury Taskforce
The Firearm-Related Injury Taskforce brings together a multidisciplinary team from across Cincinnati Children’s to establish a framework, key themes (including suicide prevention), initiatives and metrics—all with the goal of reducing firearm injuries. In collaboration with the City of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati (UC) Health and other partners, the team actively works to establish violence intervention programs, train staff and devise a city-wide strategy for gun violence reduction, among other plans.
Student-Led Prevention Programs
Through research, Cincinnati Children’s helps educators select which student-led suicide prevention program is best for their school. A study evaluated the effectiveness of 12 programs using the Let Evidence Guide Every New Decision (LEGEND) system, developed at Cincinnati Children’s.
Employee Wellness Initiatives
Our workforce initiatives specifically focus on suicide prevention among Cincinnati Children’s employees.
Workforce Suicide Prevention Task Force
The Office of Wellness launched the Workforce Suicide Prevention Task Force in 2023. The taskforce creates standardized suicide prevention education for all our employees.
