Zero Suicide Systems Approach
The Clearinghouse partnered with the U.S. Air Force to pilot test the Zero Suicide Systems Approach (ZSSA); making the Air Force the first service to pilot test a Zero Suicide Framework. The ZSSA is a pilot test of the Zero Suicide Framework across Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) at five Air Combat Command (ACC) Air Force Bases. The ZSSA aimed to improve care and outcomes for individuals at risk for suicide in a healthcare system. Project evaluation data showed that over the course of this project (2015 – 2019), participation in the pilot program was associated with a statistically significant decrease of suicide death rates. These results were achieved during a time when Air Force suicides, in general, were increasing. Thus, there was preliminary evidence that ZSSA may be having a positive impact on suicide-related outcomes. In comparison, no other recent efforts, noted to date, used to reduce military suicides have made a difference.