Working Together to Improve Mental Health and Reduce Rates of Suicide

Download: Mental Health Framework

The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention frameworks are similar as they both share a common set of elements. You will find the suicide prevention framework is embedded in the mental health framework, as suicide prevention is inextricably linked to mental health.

Each layer is described from the center of the framework, the “north star,” to the outside ring of “hope, belonging, purpose, and meaning”. Review each component of the framework by reviewing the implementation plan. 

Summary of Potential Strategies in the Mental Health Continuum Circle

Actionable strategies and examples across the life course are presented in the framework report across the mental health and suicide prevention continuum from promotion, through prevention, treatment, and recovery. The strategies presented are not meant to be inclusive of all potential strategies. Additionally, it does not present specific activities within these strategies, as partners and the unique communities within Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties should identify activities best suited to their resources and needs, drawing from the research and evidence about what is likely to be most effective.

• Mental health and wellness promotion: Address the determinants of mental health
  1. Embrace health in all policies. Develop a policy agenda and plan of action.
  2. Improve social cohesion or community connectedness.
  3. Improve employer practices and policies to support employees and their families.
• Prevention: Reduce risk factors and increase protective factors 
  1. Foster coalitions or networks for collective impact.
  2. Promote and/or implement communication and education programs.
  3. Strengthen skills and knowledge to promote resilience, problem-solving, coping, and help-seeking behaviors.
• Clinical and support services: Improve access and engagement in services 
  1. Increase universal screening and early identification.
  2. Support the integration of behavioral health care.
  3. Expand care coordination/patient navigation.
  4. Increase quality referrals.
• Recovery and reclamation: Support people’s ability to thrive and recover
  1. Expand access to trained and certified peer support specialists.
  2. Implement education campaigns.
  3. Expand access to recovery supports.

Implementation of the Mental Health Framework

A selection of strategies is presented in the frameworks. Community partners are encouraged to explore additional strategies that may be most relevant to their needs. Considerations for who might be the key implementers, potential partners, and priority populations are also suggested for each strategy but are not meant to be exclusive to these suggestions.

Download: Suicide Prevention Framework

The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention frameworks are similar as they both share a common set of elements. You will find the suicide prevention framework is embedded in the mental health framework, as suicide prevention is inextricably linked to mental health.

Each layer is described from the center of the framework, the “north star,” to the outside ring of “hope, belonging, purpose, and meaning.”

Summary of Potential Strategies in the Suicide Prevention Continuum Circle

The strategies presented are not meant to be inclusive of all potential strategies. Additionally, the framework does not present specific activities within these strategies, as partners and the unique communities within the Tri-County Region should identify activities best suited to their resources and needs, drawing from the research and evidence about what is likely to be most effective.  

• Mental health and wellness promotion: Address the determinants of mental health

1. Embrace health in all policies. Develop policy agenda and plan of action.
2. Improve social cohesion or community connectedness
3. Improve employer practices and policies to support employees and their families

• Suicide Prevention: Reduce risk factors and increase protective factors 
  1. Reduce access to lethal means
  2. Increase research-informed programs, increase connections to trusted adults, and reduce stigma in schools
  3. Increase ability in multiple settings to identify and support people at risk for suicide
• Clinical and support services: Improve access and engagement in services 
  1. Increase universal screening and early identification
  2. Support the integration of behavioral health care
  3. Expand care coordination/patient navigation
  4. Increase quality referrals 
• Recovery and postvention: Support services responding to a suicide death or attempt
  1. Develop a coordinated response, including resources and support services, in the aftermath of a suicide death for families and community organizations
  2. Educate and advocate for safe reporting of suicide in the media
  3. Establish and communicate clear policies and procedures across systems to support returning to school and other community settings after seeking care for suicidal ideation or attempt or other mental health concerns 

Implementation of the Suicide Prevention Framework

A selection of strategies is presented in the frameworks. Community partners are encouraged to explore additional strategies that may be most relevant to their needs. Considerations for who might be the key implementers, potential partners, and priority populations are also suggested for each strategy but are not meant to be exclusive to these suggestions.

Download, Print, and Share the Frameworks

• Mental Health Framework
• Suicide Prevention Framework

Download, Post, and Share

Working together and sharing messages across our communities is key to successfully reaching our communities. We could not do this without your help. Whether you are communicating with leaders, the public, colleagues, or multi-sector partners, this page includes campaigns for you to download, post, and share.

Campaign	Sample Graphic
Below the Surface Below the Surface Campaign is an awareness effort run by the Colorado Department of Human Services. It was created by youth for youth reassuring young adults that it’s OK to ask for help. Teens can connect to and get support from Colorado Crisis Services by texting “TALK” to 38255. The line allows anyone to text 24/7 with a trained counselor on a personal, free, confidential line. The program is also recruiting youth and trusted adults to share Below the Surface in their communities.
Let’s Talk Colorado Let’s Talk Colorado was created by a State Innovation Model (SIM) grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The goal of the Let’s Talk Colorado media campaign is to initiate an inclusive conversation.  All Coloradans benefit when we learn to discuss our mental health, and those of us who need treatment are more likely to seek it when we all agree that mental health is everyone’s responsibility. Toolkit: letstalkco.org/toolkit
Colorado Crisis Services Colorado Crisis Services is the crisis hotline for the state of Colorado and answers calls for the National Suicide Hotline from a Colorado number. Call the Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Toolkit: coloradocrisisservices.org/toolkit
Parents Thrive Colorado Parents Thrive launched in 2020 and was developed by the Perinatal Mental Health Action Network, Co-Chaired by Denver Public Health and Tri-County Health Department. Parents Thrive Colorado is making it easier for parents to find and connect with relevant information, resources, services, and stories that offer mental health support at every step of the parenting journey. Complete their contact form to get resources you can share.
Man Therapy Man Therapy was launched in 2012 by Denver ad agency Cactus Inc. in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to get men talking about their feelings using humor. They created Dr. Rich Mahogany, a guy’s guy who helps connect men to a resource they desperately need. And although he’s not a real doctor, his message is very real. Mental health saves lives. Learn more at mantherapy.org and check up on yourself with a quick 20 Point Head Inspection.