Project Summary:
Healthcare workers face elevated suicide risk compared to other professions, with research showing increased psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, especially since the pandemic. At SSM Health in Wisconsin, approximately 52% of team members report high levels of mental health distress, with even higher rates in inpatient and intensive care units. Despite these challenges, healthcare workers often avoid seeking mental health services due to stigma, licensing concerns, and access barriers, highlighting the need for enhanced peer support programs.
SSM Health will implement an advanced suicide prevention training program that combines heart math, trauma-informed care, question-persuade-refer (QPR), and alternatives to suicide approaches within their existing Care for Caregiver Program. The project will train more than 50 peer supporters and 14 trainers across seven Wisconsin hospitals, while also providing specialized CME training for mental health providers and medical staff. This comprehensive approach aims to destigmatize help-seeking behaviors and create a culture of transparency around mental health discussions within healthcare settings.
The initiative serves as a pilot program with potential for expansion across SSM Health's facilities in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois. By implementing enhanced tracking systems for suicide-related concerns, the project team hopes to create a sustainable model for healthcare worker mental health support. Ultimately, the project aims to share these evidence-based practices with healthcare systems nationwide, while also expanding community partnerships to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.