Suicide Prevention Interventions for Individuals Post-Incarceration
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores ways to prevent suicide among people recently released from jail. It tests two approaches: sending supportive letters, known as Caring Contacts, to managed care subscribers, and providing behavioral health providers with training and resources to help re-engage these individuals with healthcare services. Individuals released from jail and part of a managed care organization might be a good fit for this trial. Behavioral health providers working in these organizations can also participate, receiving special training to better support these individuals. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative strategies for suicide prevention.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's interventions are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that the Caring Contacts letters and training for behavioral health providers rely on proven methods. These efforts aim to assist individuals at risk of suicide after their release from jail.
Studies have found that sending Caring Contacts letters is a safe approach. This involves mailing supportive letters to individuals post-release, offering encouragement without direct actions that might cause harm.
For the training component, behavioral health providers learn to better support individuals after they leave jail, including new ways to help them reconnect with healthcare services. The training aims to enhance providers' ability to prevent suicide.
Both methods have been tested in earlier studies and have not demonstrated any harmful effects. They are designed to support individuals and providers without introducing risk to participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments because they offer innovative approaches to suicide prevention for individuals recently released from incarceration. Unlike traditional methods that may focus on medication or therapy sessions, "Caring Contact" letters provide ongoing emotional support through personalized letters, which can help maintain a connection and sense of care. The "Reports, re-engagement, and training" arm focuses on empowering behavioral health providers with enhanced tools and training, boosting their ability to proactively reach out and engage with this vulnerable population. By incorporating these unique strategies, the treatments aim to foster continuous support and early intervention, potentially reducing the risk of suicide in a group that faces significant post-release challenges.
What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for suicide prevention post-incarceration?
Research has shown that Caring Contacts letters, one of the interventions in this trial, can help reduce suicide attempts. A review of several studies found that these letters can protect against suicide attempts and may help reduce suicidal behavior. However, results have varied, with some studies not finding a significant impact.
The reports, re-engagement, and training intervention, another treatment arm in this trial, trains behavioral health providers and updates them about people released from jail. Studies have shown that this approach can lead to better care. These interventions rely on proven methods that aim to prevent suicide by encouraging providers to reach out to those at risk. While there are promising aspects, success in specifically reducing suicide deaths has been mixed.678910Who Is on the Research Team?
Sarah Arias
Principal Investigator
Butler Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who are part of a managed care organization and have recently been released from jail, as well as behavioral health providers working at a CareSource agency. There are no specific exclusion criteria listed.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Caring Contact letters are mailed to subscribers for 6 months following jail release, and behavioral health providers receive training and reports to encourage re-engagement with healthcare services.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for healthcare engagement, suicide attempts, and other health outcomes.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Caring Contacts letters
- Reports, re-engagement, and training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Butler Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Michigan State University
Collaborator