PRIORITIZING PREVENTION
Douglas County health care agencies are collaborating to build an integrated system of care that moves from crisis and illness as a norm to recovery and prevention as a practice.
To achieve that vision, the Douglas County Health Leadership Coalition (HLC) has identified several priorities and initiatives to implement evidence-based prevention strategies that address challenges such as substance abuse, suicide, mental illness, and childhood trauma.
Zero Suicide
Zero Suicide is a commitment to suicide prevention in health and behavioral health care systems, and also a specific set of tools and strategies. It is both a concept and a practice. Its core propositions are that suicide deaths for people under care are preventable, and that the bold goal of zero suicides among persons receiving care is an aspirational challenge that health systems should accept.
The Zero Suicide approach aims to improve care and outcomes for individuals at risk of suicide in health care systems. It represents a commitment to patient safety — the most fundamental responsibility of health care —and also to the safety and support of clinical staff, who do the demanding work of treating and supporting suicidal patients.
MyStrength App
For those feeling anxious, fearful, depressed, isolated — you are not alone! Douglas County offers an online tool called myStrength that is available 24/7. It's free and confidential! MyStrength offers a variety of programs, including: mindfulness and meditation, improving sleep, reducing stress, controlling anxiety, managing depression and balancing intense emotions.
Sign up today: mystrength.com and use access code: DouglasCounty
More info about why Douglas County agencies are using myStrength: http://dgcoks.org/mystrength
Opioid Initiatives
DCCCA will build on the work it has done at the state and regional level to engage key stakeholders and community members in a series of initiatives designed to proactively address opioid issues in Douglas County. As the lead agency in these initiatives DCCCA will:
- Convene a Behavioral Health Prevention Summit
- Provide ongoing virtual and small group training options for prescribers
- Engage local pharmacies in a safe medication disposal project
The 2020 Douglas County Behavioral Health Prevention Summit will be a virtual one! A session will be held noon-1 p.m. weekdays July 27-Aug. 7. Topics will include opioid, marijuana, suicide and vaping prevention, as well as mental health promotion and supporting youth and families. For more information and updates: https://www.dccca.org/2020-douglas-county-prevention-summit