BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) — In an effort to enhance suicide prevention efforts across the state, Vermont mental health officials have introduced a new initiative: the Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention. This new center is a key component of the Department of Mental Health’s Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention, aiming to tackle the growing need for effective suicide prevention strategies.
The Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention brings together healthcare providers, community partners, and mental health professionals to develop and implement best practices for preventing suicide. The initiative focuses on strengthening both treatment and crisis services, while also enhancing community-based initiatives aimed at supporting individuals at risk of suicide.
Chris Allen, a representative from the Vermont Department of Mental Health, emphasized the significance of the center’s efforts: “This center of excellence is strengthening our existing resources and is ensuring consistent training is available for both community members, but also for mental health providers.”
Training is a central part of the center’s mission, and it includes efforts to ensure that both community members and healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to address suicide prevention effectively. This includes staying up to date on telehealth services, which became an essential tool during the pandemic and remain a crucial strategy in providing accessible mental health care.
The creation of the Center of Excellence reflects Vermont’s continued commitment to combating suicide through coordinated, community-driven efforts and innovative approaches.
