I Am Boundless, a multi-specialty healthcare and human services provider based in Worthington, Ohio, is launching a groundbreaking initiative to implement universal suicide risk screening for all patients over the age of eight. This significant step forward aims to prioritize early suicide prevention by identifying individuals at risk before they reach a crisis point. By screening all patients over eight, the organization hopes to create a system of early intervention and provide timely care to those in need.
The new screening process will be integrated into the organization’s electronic health record system, ensuring seamless identification of high-risk individuals. This approach aligns with the organization’s core mission of providing person-centered care and ensuring that all patients, regardless of age, receive appropriate and timely support. Early intervention, through early suicide prevention, can make a substantial difference in outcomes for individuals at risk of self-harm.
Collaboration with Greenspace Health for Effective Screening
I Am Boundless is collaborating with Greenspace Health, a leader in measurement-based care tools, to develop and refine this suicide risk screening program. Through this partnership, the organization is focused on creating clinical pathways that will offer immediate support to high-risk patients. These clinical pathways are crucial for the success of early suicide prevention, ensuring that once individuals are identified as high-risk, they receive the right interventions at the right time.
Nathan Henninger, Vice President of Programs for I Am Boundless, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Boundless has a long history of providing person-centered care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and behavioral health challenges. We are continually expanding our services to meet the critical needs of the individuals we serve.” This expansion includes the addition of early suicide prevention screening, which will ensure that vulnerable individuals are not left without support.
A Comprehensive Care Model with Holistic Services
I Am Boundless is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Ohio, offering a comprehensive range of services such as primary care, dental care, outpatient behavioral health services, residential support, and respite care. By implementing universal suicide risk screenings, the organization is enhancing its holistic care model and reinforcing its commitment to early suicide prevention for all patients it serves.
Studies show that many individuals who die by suicide engage with the healthcare system shortly before their deaths. A recent study found that 30% of individuals who died by suicide had contact with the healthcare system within a week of their death, and nearly half within a month. By adopting universal suicide risk screening, I Am Boundless hopes to leverage early suicide prevention to intervene before individuals reach that point of crisis.
Research Supports the Effectiveness of Suicide Risk Screenings
The positive impact of early suicide prevention measures is already supported by research. A study from the University of Washington School of Public Health earlier this month showed that screening tools designed to detect mental health issues were effective in lowering suicide attempts. This data further supports the decision by I Am Boundless to prioritize early identification and intervention, ensuring that those at risk receive the support they need to overcome their challenges.
Investment in Technology and Value-Based Care
The initiative is also part of I Am Boundless’s broader strategy to improve and streamline its technology and care systems. With an increasing number of individuals seeking help, the organization is investing in tools that allow for better data collection and more effective care. These investments support both early suicide prevention and the organization’s value-based care initiatives, creating a robust system for improving patient outcomes.
A Vital Step in the Evolution of Mental Health Care
Ultimately, I Am Boundless’s focus on early suicide prevention through universal suicide risk screening represents a vital step in the evolution of mental health care. By addressing suicide risk early, the organization is not only saving lives but also reducing the long-term impact of untreated mental health conditions on individuals and families.
