An Academic and Community Partnership in Suicide Prevention: Disseminating Research Findings With Community Members

Suicide is a leading cause of death for individuals with serious mental illness, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Yet, despite substantial research and awareness initiatives globally, suicide death rates continue to rise. A multifaceted approach to suicide prevention is needed with community involvement in planning, implementation, and dissemination efforts.

The primary objective of this paper is to describe the partnership between an academic university and local community mental health department to engage the community in suicide prevention efforts.

As part of a partnership between Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and a suicide prevention research team at the University of Michigan, events were designed to engage community members in the dissemination of the team's suicide prevention research. Dissemination efforts included six community events with a variety of giveaway materials to raise awareness, promote hope, and foster engagement in suicide prevention.Results/Lessons Learned: Community-driven initiatives facilitated resource sharing, conversation, and engagement in art among more than 450 attendees, ultimately contributing to hopefulness and suicide prevention awareness. Lessons learned include the essential role of engagement in suicide prevention efforts, collaborative resource sharing, and mutual benefit within a bi-directional and equitable academic-community partnership.

This academic-community partnership highlights the diverse set of skills, perspectives, and resources that can be collaboratively joined to engage community members in the dissemination of research and suicide prevention initiatives. These experiences may also inform dissemination efforts in other health education areas more broadly.