Thank you all for your continued engagement in the Coalition. Forty eight people attended the last meeting of the Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition (VTSPC) meeting that was held virtually for the first time in 12 years, on April 16th, 2020. We started with an open chat and learned how providers are adjusting to moving to online counseling, connection, and learning.
Alison Krompf and Daisy Berbeco, Department of Mental Health, provided an update on the Agency of Human Services (AHS) COVID19 and Mental Health Communications Policy/Plan. They shared the department’s focus on targeted campaigns that support the readiness of MH care providers. The Crisis Text Line has not yet seen an increase in utilization, though they expect that to change with increased promotion of the text line and impacts of the pandemic. Paul Manganiello MD, MPH, Emeritus Professor Obstetrics and Gynecology Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, shared developing a letter campaign to Governor related to supporting policy measures that minimize access to lethal means for those at risk for suicide. Caitlin Jelinek, Health Analyst, VDH, presented on the VDH update on Suicide Data Surveillance. She developed the weekly report in response to multiple data requests from various groups in the last few weeks.
Read the complete minutes, or view the slides or recording.
JoEllen Tarallo, Executive Director, and Beth Shrader, Senior Program Specialist, CHL, shared their growing work on the intersections of substance misuse and suicide prevention. CHL is actively seeking local examples of programs, policies and practices that integrate substance misuse and suicide prevention and interventions across a continuum of care. Tom Delaney, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Larner College of Medicine, UVM, presented on the State Infrastructure Assessment- National Suicide Prevention Resource Center Guidelines and VT Survey. UVM researchers are developing a new Infrastructure Survey to inform statewide work and the development of a state suicide prevention plan. A panel of reviewers are being assembled to provide feedback on the current draft.
Firearm Safety Measures Related to Suicide Prevention Individuals and organizations are invited to contact the Governor about public safety measures in light of the dramatic spikes in firearm and ammunition sales being experienced in Vermont and throughout the country.[1] For more information about communicating directly to the Governor or signing on to a letter, please contact: Paul Manganiello MD, MPH, at Paul.D.Manganiello@dartmouth.edu. Paul is Emeritus Professor Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, President, GunSense Vermont Education Fund. [1]https://vtdigger.org/2020/04/03/vermont-gun-background-checks-hit-record-high-in-march
Here is the updated Need Help? card.
Click on the image, or go here to download a copy to print. Posters will be available soon and cards can be requested in large quantity print by emailing info@healthandlearning.org
Also, a couple reminders for members and providers. May is Children’s Mental Health Month. The theme this year is “Bringing Children’s Mental Health Into Focus – Perfect Vision 20/20”. This year, Children’s Mental Health Day is May 7th. Many organizations around the nation will be sharing useful resources online and in social media and can be found using these hashtags. Watch for messaging throughout the month on the VT-SPC Facebook page.
Please save the date for the VTSPC Symposium, scheduled for August 18, 2020. The format is Virtual and there are a range of opportunities for participating in the Symposium.
The slide deck and recording are below.
Thank you. Please contact melissa@healthandlearning.org if you have any questions.
Important upcoming dates to remember include:
| Suicide Prevention Symposium | (Virtual) | August 18, 2020 |
| Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition | (Virtual) | September 10, 2020 |
| Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition | (Format TBD) | December 10, 2020 |
VT Suicide Prevention Coalition Virtual Meeting Recording
VT Suicide Prevention Coalition Virtual Meeting Presentation
