Engaging Suicide Attempt Survivors

Barb Gay, MA,

"By listening to attempt survivors, we can create alternative responses that will help keep people alive." 

If we want to reduce suicide rates, new approaches are needed. But what? The Suicide Attempt Survivors Task Force of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention has one answer—listen to what suicide attempt survivors have to say. According to Barb Gay, a task force member and community behavioral health provider, those who have survived a suicide attempt know firsthand the kind of care that people at risk of suicide need.