Transforming Rural Healthcare Systems: A Zero Suicide Model Approach to Enhancing Access to Lifesaving Care

This capstone project is a response to the urgent need for effective suicide prevention strategies in rural healthcare systems. These areas are grappling with significant challenges, such as geographic isolation, limited resources, and the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health. These factors collectively form formidable barriers to accessing crucial mental health care.

At the heart of this project is the Zero Suicide Model (ZSM), a transformative and systemic approach that can be tailored to meet the needs of healthcare systems. By using General Systems Theory, the project aims to address the systemic inequities that lead to poor mental health outcomes. This led to the creation of the innovative Zero Suicide Model-Rural Healthcare (ZSM-RH). The ZSM-RH promotes the integration of suicide-informed services directly into rural healthcare settings and beyond, creating a proactive and evidence-based framework. This not only aims to decrease suicide rates but also enhances access to life-saving interventions throughout rural communities, offering a beacon of hope for the future. This optimization focuses on closing critical gaps in care, improving the training and resources available to providers, and cultivating a culture centered around patient safety.

This research underscores the vital importance of collaboration among healthcare providers, social workers, and policymakers to improve mental health outcomes in rural communities. It emphasizes strategic resource allocation and tailored interventions to meet specific needs. The findings serve as a roadmap for professionals, highlighting their crucial role in reducing the impact of suicide in underserved areas.