Cooperative Integration Community Development Model: Using Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities as an Operational Example

This paper discusses the necessary components of the COIN (COoperative INtegration) Model developed by the author & outlines how its strategies were utilized to effectively respond to a number of suicide attempts in a school system. The 10 steps of the model are described. Certain underlying factors which must be understood in order to effectively put this model into action include: cultural sensitivity, power dynamics, strategic vision, client focus, collective approach, relationship building, committment of community enhancement, & structural integrity. (19 refs.)