Suicide Prevention Partnership

To significantly reduce the number of suicides in the Pikes Peak region by uniting the community in addressing suicide through education, intervention and survivor support services.

Preventing suicide is Everyone's business.

HISTORY

The Suicide Prevention Partnership (SPP) was founded in 1992 by two women who had each lost sons to suicide, and by a friend who is a licensed counselor. One year later, SPP was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since that time, SPP has grown to include a diverse roster of volunteer speakers as well as the Pikes Peak Region’s only Suicide Hotline, which is managed by trained interventionists. SPP has a deeply committed Board of Directors composed of diverse professionals from the community. The SPP board members support the organization through substantial contributions of time and funds. Paid staff includes the Executive Director, a Program Coordinator and a Hotline Scheduler, all part time positions.

PRINCIPAL PROGRAMS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Prevention Training/Education:

SPP provides prevention training and education to approximately 3500 individuals annually in the Pikes Peak Region. Four types of prevention and community education are provided by SPP:

- SPP provides “Gatekeeper” education and awareness programs for schools, businesses, civic organizations, first responders (police, fire fighters, and ambulance service personnel), senior services, and direct service providers.

- SPP provides specialized community training to those who work with at-risk youth and victim advocates.

- SPP works collaboratively with the El Paso County Health department to facilitate Safe Teen programs in area high schools.

- SPP “First Responders” training is provided to area police departments, fire departments, coroners, emergency transport personnel, emergency room staff, clergy and other professionals who routinely deal with families after the completion of a suicide. This training provides the tools for appropriately intervening with survivors of suicide, as well as self-care techniques for these “absorptive” professionals.

Intervention:

SPP operates the Suicide Prevention Hotline, initiated in 1995. The Hotline is a crisis intervention service. Currently, over 1400 individuals call the Hotline annually. Approximately eighty-seven percent of the callers report that they are experiencing depression, and 99% report a positive outcome from their call.

SPP also provides therapy for clients who are financially unable to attain these services elsewhere. These clients are identified through SPP programs such as the Hotline, school counselors and other mental health and social service professionals in the community, community training sessions, and self-referral. This therapy program is a one-of-a-kind free regional service for uninsured individuals who suffer from depression and suicidal ideation. Persons needing treatment are screened by SPP staff and immediately referred to a therapist who sets an appt. within 48 hrs. Adults are provided with six sessions and adolescents with 8 sessions. Persons in immediate danger are referred to hospitals and the local crisis center.
Postvention:

Heartbeat, the SPP postvention program, focuses on assisting suicide survivors in the aftermath of a suicide by providing on-the-scene compassionate support and referrals. During the past year, this service has reached 646 individuals and families. To increase this service, SPP is currently forging a partnership with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Springs Police Department.

The Annual Mayor's Cup Run Fundraiser - September 26, 2010.

The Suicide Prevention partnership is dependent upon the generosity of individual donors and foundations. Contributions may be matched by grants from the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado, the Colorado Trust and other places of employment. Please consider us as one of your charitable giving priorities.

Memorial pages may be set up through our website for those who would like to honor their loved one and help us raise funds for suicide awareness.