Policy in Public Health

Policy in Public Health

There is currently no policy that exists specific to suicide prevention and postvention in Mesa County. There has been work in the last year politically to research and address some of the highest suicide rates in the state of Colorado being in Mesa County. The school has set up a protocol for the initial suicide crisis with crisis teams, and the Suicide Prevention Coalition is working on training for teachers regarding intervention after the crisis team leaves. In researching other states and countries, the state of Oregon models a mandate for each county to have a suicide prevention and postvention plan in place. The state gives each county the autonomy to create a plan that best fits their population needs while providing guidance with resources. Alaska has provided a suicide prevention and postvention manual that is available and accessible through printed copies and through a reproducible online format.The Australian government has mandated that suicide prevention and postvention plans be in place. Policies are needed in the workplace and more awareness and education is planned for this area. As Mesa County develops a suicide postvention model, of which the community action plan is a significant beginning, there will be opportunity for policy to be formed that can protect the community and have positive impact in the state of Colorado. The county commissioner, Janet Rowland, was instrumental in developing a survey and bringing community stakeholders to the table regarding the mental health issues of Mesa County. The commissioner’s formation of a mental health hub, Grand Valley Connect, housed under Mesa County Public Health was a step toward policy formation within the community.