FORT WAYNE – Parkview Health has been awarded a grant to create a regional suicide prevention program.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has given a $772,000 grant to Parkview Health. It comes at a critical time, as research shows the coronavirus pandemic is having a negative impact on the mental health of Northeast Indiana residents.
The grant will be used to hire a project coordinator and four Suicide Obviation and Support or SOS navigators. They will be embedded in hospital emergency departments and connected to resources within the Parkview Behavioral Health Institute, as well as domestic violence organizations and emergency shelters.
The SOS navigators will provide “at elbow” support for suicidal crisis and domestic violence victims, coordinating care and referrals to treatment programs, support services and community resources. The team will also conduct suicide prevention training for healthcare providers and community organizations throughout the region.
The same navigator model has been successfully implemented with peer recovery coaches in Parkview's Medication Assisted Treatment program for opiate or substance use disorder.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Indiana’s suicide rate has been on a steep upward trend, increasing from 13.5 suicide deaths per 100,000 people in 2012 to 16.9 in 2019.
The SOS navigator program will cover eight northeast Indiana counties: LaGrange, Noble, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, Wabash and Whitley. It is expected to begin within the next three months.
To be connected to mental health resources anytime, 24 hours a day, call the Parkview Behavioral Health Help Line at 260-373-7500 or 1-800-284-8439.
(07-05-2025) Stanley Makes First Court Appearance
(07-05-2025) 72nd Annual LaGrange County 4-H Fair Starts Today
(07-03-2025) Busy Fourth Of July In Topeka
(07-03-2025) Federal Funding Delays Threatens Programs At Lakeland Schools
(07-02-2025) 2025 Cops Cycling For Survivors Ride Stopping In Angola
(07-02-2025) Middlebury Woman Among 12 Charged In Healthcare Fraud Investigation
(07-02-2025) Crossroads And Steuben United Ways Have Merged
(07-02-2025) Local Farmers Rescue Cattle From Property Damage Crash
(07-02-2025) Authorities Asking For Help In Locating Stolen Farm Truck
(07-02-2025) July Speed Enforcement In Michigan Underway
(07-02-2025) No Budget For Michigan As State Senators Adjourn Before Deadline
(07-01-2025) Fremont Police K-9 Officer Rex Getting Body Armor
(07-01-2025) AG Nessel Warns Of Scam Spoofing Her Department
(07-01-2025) Authorities Say Coldwater Lake Man Competent To Stand Trial
(07-01-2025) Trine Receives Donations For Pellegrino Student Design Center
(06-30-2025) Two Vehicle Accident Injures One Person
(06-30-2025) Musser Announces Candidacy For Steuben Co. Superior Judge
(06-28-2025) Wortz Bill Would Cover Group Prenatal Care
(06-28-2025) May Unemployment Rates Increase Around Southern Michigan
(06-27-2025) Northeast Indiana Unemployment Goes Up In May