2024 Professional Webinar: Fostering Hope: The role of chaplain in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention

Suicide is a complex but preventable public health issue that requires a comprehensive approach, across community settings and sectors, to help reach people at risk. In 2022, nearly 50,000 Americans were lost to suicide. The age-adjusted suicide rates increased by 36% between 2000 and 2022. Additionally, in 2022, 13.2 million adults reported seriously considering suicide and 1.6 million adults reported making a suicide attempt (CDC, 2024).

Headquartered in St. Louis, Mercy is one of the largest Catholic health systems in the U.S., serving millions of patients each year over a multi-state footprint. Mercy began implementing the Zero Suicide in healthcare framework in 2018. In 2020, they hired a Zero Suicide Coordinator to work with leaders to establish the strategic direction for improving care and outcomes for individuals at risk for suicide. The Zero Suicide implementation committee is a group of about 50 volunteer co-workers representing a range of communities and expertise, including chaplains and mission leaders. In 2022, training was developed that established the connection of the Zero Suicide initiative to Mercy’s mission and values.

During this presentation, participants will learn the role of chaplains in supporting lives before, during and after a suicidal crisis, based on recommendations from the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Faith Communities Task Force (2019) and the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. It is recommended that all chaplains should be required to participate in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention training as part of training and continuing education. Chaplains can play an important role in identifying individuals at risk for suicide, providing hope to those in crisis, and providing comfort and support after a suicide attempt or death. Resources and further training opportunities will be provided to participants.

Webinar Objectives:

1. 1. Describe the scope of the problem of suicide
   2. Explain the connection between suicide prevention and Mercy’s mission and values
   3. Discuss the role of the chaplain in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention activities
   4. Identify resources and training to enhance chaplain competencies

NACC Certification Competencies Addressed in this Webinar
PIC4, PPS2, PPS5

Presenter Information

Kirsten Sierra MSW, LCSW is the Zero Suicide Coordinator at Mercy, one of the largest Catholic health systems in the United States, serving millions of patients each year over a multi-state footprint. Based out of Chesterfield, MO, Kirsten is responsible for implementing and overseeing the Zero Suicide initiative across Mercy. Kirsten also assists with the statewide planning committee for the Missouri Zero Suicide Learning Collaborative and has served as a local expert at several Missouri Zero Suicide Academies. Kirsten serves on the Executive Committee of the Missouri Suicide Prevention Network, as the Public Awareness Committee Chair. She also serves on the Steering Committee for the St. Louis Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition and co-chairs the St. Louis 988 Messaging Task Force. In 2022, Kirsten was awarded the Missouri Suicide Prevention Innovation Award.