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Suicide Prevention Training Criteria and Review Process

What is evidence-based practice?

The term “evidence based” is also used as a “seal of approval” to indicate that a specific program or strategy has been evaluated and proven to be effective in improving health. This “seal of approval” can be given by academic researchers, expert panels or government agencies that have reviewed evidence about the program, or independent organizations that rate the effectiveness of programs.

The following definition refers to this more specific use of the term “evidence based,” which is the primary focus of this online guide: Evidence-based prevention strategy (HPIO, 2013). Programs, policies, or other strategies that have been evaluated and demonstrated to be effective in preventing health problems based upon the best-available research evidence, rather than upon personal belief or anecdotal evidence.

Evidence-based suicide prevention trainings

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Erika's Lighthouse
The Jason Foundation
Living Works START
Making Educators Partners in Youth Suicide Prevention: ACT on FACTS
More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education for Teachers and other School Personnel
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota 
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Suicide Alertness for Everyone-Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep Safe (safeTALK)
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

Committee Review Process

 Practice-based evidence (PBE) is a term sometimes used to refer to practices that are embedded in local cultures and are accepted as effective by the community. Practitioners of PBE models draw upon cultural knowledge to develop programs that are respectful of and responsive to local definitions of wellness. When adapting a suicide prevention training program or developing a new one, the committee will consider trainings that are:

  • Grounded in a thorough understanding of local problems and assets
  • Addresses research-based risk and protective factors for suicide and components outlined in the rule
  • Guided by research-based theories (e.g., behavior change theories) and the voices of the community
  • Draws from research on related programs and their effectiveness
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