title: Does availability of mental health resources prevent recurrent suicidal behavior? An ecological analysis.
abstract: This study examines whether availability of mental health resources in the county of residence is associated with subsequent suicidal behavior after a previous suicide attempt. Among 10,922 individuals who attempted suicide in Colorado between 1998 and 2002, residence in a county that offered a minimum safety-net of mental health services significantly reduced the risk of suicidal behavior for at least 1 year after the index attempt. Safety-net services included mental health treatment, crisis treatment, and case management. These results suggest one strategy for prevention of suicidal behavior that could inform state-level health policy development and resource allocation.
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Denver, CO 80262, USA.
authors.forename: Sara L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lezotte
authors.forename: Jillian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jacobellis
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Diguiseppi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003120:Colorado; D003419:Crisis Intervention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention