A Hospital Program in Nebraska Saves Teenage Lives through “Caring Contacts”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
A hospital in Nebraska has implemented a groundbreaking program that has proven instrumental in preventing teenage suicide attempts. Children’s Nebraska, a pediatric hospital and medical center based in Omaha, matches teenage suicide survivors with a “caring contact,” providing them with personalized, handwritten notes from social work staff after discharge. This innovative program, known as Caring Contacts, was inspired by a similar initiative for adult suicide survivors and has seen remarkable success in saving young lives.
Sabrina Schalley, the director of care coordination at Children’s Nebraska, shared with Fox News Digital that the program was introduced in May 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was emerging. The timing proved to be incredibly fortuitous, as the pandemic further exacerbated depression and anxiety among children and teens, making the need for mental health support more critical than ever.
At Children’s Nebraska, approximately 30% of patients aged 11 and older screened positive for depression and/or suicide risk. Recognizing the urgent demand for ongoing treatment and support, the hospital offers the Caring Contacts program to all patients who receive a mental health assessment in the emergency department. Remarkably, 98% of families opt to participate in the program, signifying its effectiveness and value.
Prior to Caring Contacts, teenage patients who attempted suicide received no follow-up contact from the hospital. This lack of ongoing care further jeopardized their mental health. However, with the introduction of the program, Children’s Nebraska has witnessed a significant decline in subsequent attempts. Schalley revealed that only 7% of enrolled patients required further healthcare intervention following their suicide attempt – a substantial decrease compared to the national average of 27%.
By offering a year-long connection between the social worker and the patient through personalized notes, Caring Contacts not only normalizes the challenges of mental health struggles but also emphasizes the importance of continuous treatment. With positive coping skills, words of encouragement, and the maintenance of a supportive relationship with a trusted social worker, these patients experience the care and support they desperately need.
Interestingly, the benefits of the program extend beyond the patients themselves. The staff members who write the cards experience personal growth and fulfillment through their engagement in Caring Contacts. Mackenzie Parks, a licensed clinical social worker in Tennessee, noted that the letters she received in response showcased the immense positive impact of the program on patients’ well-being and hope for the future. Furthermore, it reassured families that the hospital genuinely cared for their safety and well-being, eliminating any doubts regarding their intentions.
The success of Caring Contacts has prompted Children’s Nebraska to offer a replication kit to other hospitals and organizations interested in implementing a similar program. The deliberate use of low-tech communication, such as personalized handwritten letters, acknowledges the significance of a child or adolescent’s story shared with a stranger during a time of crisis. In a world dominated by high-tech communication, these tangible expressions of care and support stand out and make a lasting difference.
The impact of these personal notes cannot be overstated, as they have the potential to save lives. Most teenagers who contemplate suicide transition from thought to action within 10 minutes or less. Having a card that reiterates their worthiness and reaffirms their value from someone they met once can be life-altering. The Caring Contacts program has provided a lifeline for teenagers on the brink and continues to offer hope, healing, and support on their mental health journey.
To access more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. Christine Rousselle is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.
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