For More Information:
Deana Chase, LICSW, ACM, CCM
Quality Improvement Specialist - Suicide Care Initiatives
deanac@vpqhc.org
Quality Improvement Specialist - Suicide Care Initiatives
deanac@vpqhc.org
Funded By:
Department of Mental Health
Improving Suicide Care in Partnership with Designated Agencies, Specialized Services Agencies & Primary Care Practices
Launched in May 2025, the Suicide Care in Healthcare Quality Improvement (QI) Initiative supports Vermont healthcare organizations in strengthening how they identify and care for people at risk for suicide. This initiative strengthens best practices in primary care, pediatric settings, designated agencies, and social service agencies.
All participating sites are working to implement or strengthen Essential Elements of Suicide Care, an evidence-based framework that includes screening, risk assessment, safety planning, lethal means safety, follow-up, and continuous quality improvement. Through structured coaching, training, and peer learning, sites are assessing their current practices and making measurable improvements in care.
Under the Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, led by VPQHC with funding from the Department of Mental Health, and in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health, and the Blueprint for Health, this initiative is part of Vermont’s broader commitment to advancing safer, more responsive suicide care across the healthcare system.
All participating sites are working to implement or strengthen Essential Elements of Suicide Care, an evidence-based framework that includes screening, risk assessment, safety planning, lethal means safety, follow-up, and continuous quality improvement. Through structured coaching, training, and peer learning, sites are assessing their current practices and making measurable improvements in care.
Under the Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, led by VPQHC with funding from the Department of Mental Health, and in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health, and the Blueprint for Health, this initiative is part of Vermont’s broader commitment to advancing safer, more responsive suicide care across the healthcare system.
