PROVIDENCE, R.I. — New research from Brown University reveals a promising way to reduce suicide attempts among people recently released from jail. A clinical trial found that an innovative intervention cut suicide attempts by 55%.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights a concerning statistic: in the U.S., one in five adults who attempts suicide has spent time in jail in the previous year. Given that more than 10 million individuals are admitted to jails yearly, many of whom stay for just a few days, this suggests a significant opportunity for support.
Psychologists have been exploring this issue. They ask: What if trained professionals provide help while individuals are still incarcerated? The research team tested a safety planning intervention both within the jail and through follow-up phone calls over six months.
Called the Suicide Prevention for At-Risk Individuals in Transition trial, this approach proved effective. The focus was not just on preventing suicides within jail walls, but on supporting individuals during their crucial transition back to the community, which has often been overlooked.
“The first six months after release is a critical period. We wanted to target that time,” said Lauren Weinstock, a professor of psychiatry at Brown University. With her team, Weinstock focused on addressing the needs of a vulnerable group that suffers from high rates of trauma, substance abuse, and prior suicide attempts.
During the trial, 800 at-risk individuals were recruited from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections and Genesee County Jail in Michigan. After their release, therapists maintained contact, providing support and connecting them with mental health services when needed.
The results were striking. The intervention not only reduced suicide attempts but also decreased overall suicidal behaviors by 42%. This shows that strategies used in hospitals can be adapted effectively for jail settings.
Weinstock pointed out the many stressors these individuals face. “There were high rates of trauma and substance use, along with stories of extremely tough life circumstances. It was eye-opening to see how well this intervention worked,” she noted.
Moving forward, the team aims to promote the widespread adoption of this intervention. They are working on a cost-effectiveness analysis to provide data that could encourage correctional and mental health systems to collaborate more effectively.
Current statistics indicate a concerning trend in mental health among formerly incarcerated individuals. A study from the National Institute of Justice found that nearly 75% of people released from jail do not receive any form of mental health treatment. This highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to provide necessary support before and after jail time.
In sum, addressing mental health challenges among those re-entering society is vital. With effective interventions like this one, there is hope for meaningful change that could save lives.
For more insights on mental health initiatives, you can visit the National Institute of Mental Health.
