Jail and prison suicide deaths are increasing as are deaths attributed to alcohol and substance use. The two are inextricably related. This presentation will review co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders and suicide within the correctional system, including risk factors and gaps in the existing medical and mental health systems. Methods to establish a comprehensive suicide prevention program will be presented, and case examples will be used to illustrate research and statistics.

Educational Objectives

• Describe individual and environmental risk factors for suicide in jails and prisons
• Cite three ways that jails and prisons can lessen the risk of suicide within their facilities
• Discuss how expanding medications for opioid use disorders can help decrease the risk of suicide

Level: Intermediate