Interprofessional Practice

Interprofessional Practice

The work of inter-professional teams includes first responders, bio clean-up, coroner, suicide loss coordinator, health care, mental health care, faith-based organizations, business owners, political leaders, volunteer organizations, and public health. Frequently mentioned is the prior lack of understanding for many of the teams on what the scope of resources or services other professional groups brought to the table regarding mental illness, suicide prevention, and postvention. The CONNECT training that NAMI brought to the community precipitated round table discussions on how each inter-professional group could have an impact in mental health and suicide prevention issues in the community as well as beginning discussions for partnership. The Community Action Plan is a direct result of these teams desiring a framework and guide on how to work with one another. They are now working together to address the health issues in the loss survivor population and will continue to develop and adjust a model that is functional and sustainable. Recommendation would be relationship building with additional partners that are needed onboard , especially the faith-based organizations and specifically churches. This group has shown a tendency to shy away from the suicide topic. More relationship building, partnership outreach from other professional organizations, and more education campaigns could provide for potential involvement. To further enhance inter-professional approaches would include bringing quality training on suicide grief support, therapy, and recovery to the Mesa County community. With more understanding, and continued collaboration, the community will be able to provide a sustainable and successful route to recovery for the suicide loss survivor.