Broadening the Focus of Suicide Prevention Activities Utilizing the Public Health Model

High-risk groups & suicidogenic constituents are identified & the community’s responsibility for preventive efforts is discussed. The suicide prevention center’s role in a community approach is critically examined with the conclusion that such centres should function primarily as catalysts & educators rather than 24-hour telephone referral systems. The authors believe that suicide prevention efforts which include anything less than total community involvement are doomed to failure. (13 refs.)