Everymind welcomes Zero Suicide’s Professor Coffey to the Hunter

More than 120 people from the Hunter New England suicide prevention and mental health sector were in attendance at a Towards Zero Suicide event at the Mater Hospital today.

The Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) alongside the NSW Ministry of Health are pleased to host Professor C. Edward Coffey MD of the Medical University of South Carolina who is in Newcastle today to share his knowledge as one of the leaders who developed the Zero Suicide framework in the USA.

The Zero Suicide framework supports Local Health Districts (LHDs) to develop plans for implementation of new ways of working in line with best practice.

Everymind Director, Jaelea Skehan said Professor Coffey’s visit to Newcastle presented an excellent opportunity to share knowledge with the region.

“Having the opportunity to host an international suicide prevention expert such as Professor Coffey provides the Hunter New England region with the opportunity to understand key learnings from the USA, especially around the reformation of health systems to reduce suicide,” Ms Skehan said.

“Suicide has been recognised globally as a public health concern with significant impacts for individuals, families, workplaces, schools and community.

“This event provides local clinicians with the opportunity to build on the existing strong and exciting work being undertaken in our region.

“It is important to note that Newcastle was the first site within New South Wales to pilot the implementation of LifeSpan, an evidence-based integrated suicide prevention approach developed by the Black Dog Institute.

“With the trial commencing in October 2016 and due to finish in July 2019 it is timely to have Professor Coffey visiting the region today as we reflect on what’s next in suicide prevention for the Hunter region.”

To find out more about the LifeSpan trial including reflections on next steps please visit: https://everymind.org.au/events/event/4531