2025 Suicide Care in Healthcare Quality Improvement (QI) Initiative

A Collaborative Approach to Strengthen Healthcare Pathways

About the Initiative

The former “mini-grant project” has evolved into the 2025 Suicide Care in Healthcare QI Initiative after three years of successful collaboration between community mental health agencies and patient-centered medical homes. Now, we’re expanding our reach to create an even greater impact across Vermont. VPQHC, in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Blueprint for Health, and other grant partners, will support participants in this six-month quality improvement initiative from May to October 2025.

Who Should Apply?

  • Designated Agency (DA) emergency services leaders& other Division leaders

  • Special Services Agencies (SSA)

  • Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), including Pediatric practices

Initiative Goals

  • Implement evidence-based suicide-safer care pathways in healthcare settings

  • Provide training and resources to improve suicide prevention practices

  • Strengthen care pathways to reduce suicide deaths and attempts

  • Foster statewide collaboration to enhance suicide prevention efforts

  • Support state and community partners in improving care for individuals at risk

Initiative Timeline

  • May 2025 - October 2025

Participation Requirements

  • Complete an organizational self-assessment (OSA)

  • Promote a workforce training survey

  • Select a suicide care QI project and submit quarterly Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) reports

  • Complete training in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)

  • Attend quarterly network meetings

  • Join technical assistance (TA) meetings when needed

Participation Benefits

  • Receive a $5,000 stipend upon successful participation

  • Join a statewide network of healthcare professionals

  • Access to local and national subject matter experts

  • Enhance existing suicide care initiatives

  • Access to evidence-based training and quality improvement strategies

Contact Information

  • DeanaC@vpqhc.org