Natalie Kelly: With record suicide rates, we must join forces

The rate of suicide in the U.S. reached the highest on record in 2022 with 46,369 lives lost to suicide. September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2011 to 2022, the number of suicides increased by 16%. Federal data also shows an alarming increase in suicide rates among youth and young adults. From 2011 to 2021, the suicide rate among people ages 10-24 increased by 60%.

It’s clear that the nation is in a mental health crisis. While there are a multitude of factors that are contributing to increased suicide rates, such as drug use, social isolation, social media, untreated mental health issues and more, one thing is clear – we must continue to prioritize connecting life-saving behavioral health services with those who need it.

A year ago, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 9-8-8, was launched, replacing the outdated 10-digit number. In one year, Lifeline had answered 5 million calls, chats and texts. 9-8-8 calls, chats and texts are connected to a skilled and trained crisis responder who provides the individual with immediate crisis intervention and service referral when appropriate.

Florida’s seven Managing Entities oversee Florida’s behavioral health safety net system of more than 300 providers. The Managing Entities meet the unique needs of Florida’s communities. There are various programs that help stabilize individuals who need it and connect them with lifesaving behavioral health services, engaging partners such as faith-based and veteran communities.

Some of these programs include Mobile Response Teams of highly trained counselors who can de-escalate situations and connect individuals with needed services. Managing Entities also offer a higher level of care coordination for individuals – coordinating with community organizations so Floridians receive the services they need without falling between the cracks.

The same is true for the Hospital Bridge Programs that Managing Entities oversee. Once a Floridian is stabilized in an emergency department, a peer specialist who has had a similar lived experience helps transition the individual to community services and supports their recovery.

For children, Managing Entities collaborate with school districts to coordinate mental health services. They not only establish therapists in schools but also link students and their families with community behavioral health resources 24/7, providing year-round care for the students and families, including on weekends and holidays.

A time of crisis calls for us to join forces. Suicide is preventable – with support.

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Natalie Kelly is CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities.