The NCIOM Suicide Prevention and Intervention Task Force was asked by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS) to review the state's current suicide prevention and intervention system and identify evidence-based strategies and promising practices to prevent suicide. This Task Force was done in collaboration between the NCIOM and DMHDDSAS with funding provided by the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.
Back to Task ForcesCo-Chairs
Debra Farrington, MSW, LCSW
Care Management Director
OCP Area Program
Flo Stein
Chief, Community Policy Section, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Over the past decade, North Carolina’s suicide rate has consistently been above the national average. In 2010, suicide ranked as a top 10 leading cause of death among individuals ages 10 and greater in the state. It results in more years of potential life lost than homicide, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes. Mental health problems are associated with approximately one in two suicides. Other common circumstances include intimate partner problems, substance abuse, and recent crises.
DMH/DD/SAS works with other state and local agencies to provide prevention, crisis intervention, treatment, recovery support and other services to people who are contemplating suicide or who have attempted suicide and their families. The NCIOM Task Force on Suicide Prevention and Intervention reviewed the state’s current service system and identified strategies to enhance the service system to better meet the needs of North Carolinians.