The prevention of suicide has always been part of clinical practice guidelines and mental health action plans. With this new step, we are giving a separate entity to suicide prevention, consolidating ongoing initiatives and allowing the development of new measures to meet this public health challenge,» explained the Minister of Health, Mónica García, in a press conference following the CISNS.
García emphasized the inclusion of the Suicide Prevention Observatory in this Plan, which she described as «fundamental» for collecting and analyzing data rigorously to better understand the causes and risk factors of suicide, with the aim of designing more effective strategies based on this information.
The Plan also aims to improve coordination between the 024 phone line and the healthcare services of the autonomous communities. To achieve this, the creation of suicide risk care teams in the mental health services of the regions will be promoted, with the capacity to provide telephone support and immediate assistance to individuals in crisis.
«It is a resource that has been extremely useful, and we have also made many improvements based on analyzing, evaluating, and studying the records we have. What we want to reinforce is the coordination between the 024 resource or device and the healthcare resources to which we can refer all individuals who use that resource (the 024 Line),» detailed García.
In addition, a mental health surveillance system will be implemented within the State Surveillance Network for Public Health. «This means that, for the first time, mental health will be fully integrated into the mechanisms of monitoring and alerting public health, allowing us to detect trends and respond in a more agile and coordinated manner,» she pointed out.
For the implementation of this suicide prevention plan, García indicated a funding of 18 million euros. The document specifies that the distribution of funds between the autonomous communities and the National Health Management Institute (INGESA) «will be subject to compliance» with the actions outlined in the Plan.
«The distribution of these amounts must be discussed and approved at another Interterritorial Council. This is a procedure that is done with all plans and with all economic contributions made to the communities. I want to say that we ensure funding, and then the distribution itself has to have its own procedure,» argued the minister.
### SIX LINES OF ACTION AND 41 MEASURES
In 2023, there were 4,116 suicide deaths in Spain, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE). Faced with these figures, the Prevention Plan aims to «reduce and prevent» suicide behavior, focusing on vulnerable populations and «improving the equity and cohesion» of the National Health System (SNS), promoting collaboration between administrations and civil society.
To achieve this, the Plan establishes six lines of action that aim to comprehensively address the different dimensions of the problem, along with a total of 41 measures.
The strategies outlined in the document are aimed at developing actions to gather quality information, raise awareness among the population, enhance prevention in vulnerable situations, integrate prevention into all public policies, improve healthcare approaches, and promote intersectoral collaboration for a comprehensive approach to suicide behavior.
In the awareness section, the document mentions conducting accessible and contextually adapted information campaigns at local and regional levels to promote mental health, raise awareness, and prevent suicide.
Within this framework, there is also a reference to developing actions to enhance media training on how to report on suicide, through a review and update of the Support Manual for professionals and other training activities.
Regarding prevention measures, efforts will be intensified to limit access to lethal means, such as firearms and unnecessary medications; the promotion of Health-Promoting Schools model to encourage participation in educational environments; the encouragement of prevention in workplace settings; and the identification and action on ‘critical points,’ such as bridges or tall buildings.
The promotion of implementing psychological autopsies in specific suicide cases is another action outlined in the document. According to the Plan, psychological autopsies are essential for obtaining information for immediate postvention in vulnerable populations. Specific cases would be targeted at children and adolescents, and considered in prisons, health services, and workplace environments.
Furthermore, the Plan prioritizes attention to the most vulnerable groups. To this end, it proposes establishing mechanisms to identify individuals experiencing unwanted loneliness, paying special attention to the elderly, and providing specialized support to people with disabilities.
This section also includes actions aimed at teenagers and young people in educational and community settings, as well as others targeting the LGTBIQ+ community focused on combating discrimination and creating a more inclusive environment. Additionally, actions related to postvention are established to support family members and close individuals after a suicide loss, promoting healthy coping and grief relief.
The Ministry of Health has emphasized its determination to address suicide behavior from a public health perspective, with evidence-based solutions and a focus on individuals and their rights. «The goal is to build an effective support network that saves lives and promotes a more supportive and resilient society,» she emphasized.
FUENTE