A successful suicide prevention program will be rolled out at Casey Hospital.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera announced on Tuesday 14 July the State Government’s successful Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) initiative would be expanded to six new hospital and health service sites, including Casey Hospital.
The HOPE initiative provides practical support and follow up for people leaving hospital after a suicide attempt. Assertive outreach workers also work with families, friends and carers so they can better support their loved one during this critical time.
Mr Perera said “Every year, suicide takes more than twice as many lives as the road toll – that’s simply unacceptable.”
“The HOPE program has already helped hundreds of Victorians who have attempted suicide and need an intensive response in the months following, which we know can be a period of heightened risk.”
He added by expanding the program to more sites across the state and working together as a community, devastating outcomes could be prevented.
More than 500 people have been assessed and supported through the initiative so far, which is currently in operation at Peninsula Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Barwon Health in Geelong; Eastern Health in Maroondah and Albury Wodonga Health in Wangaratta.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 provided $18.7 million to expand the program, with the new sites selected based on analysis of suicide and intentional self-injury data, population demographics and community profiles.
The State Government has invested $27 million over four years to deliver a range of initiatives, including the HOPE program and community-based suicide prevention activities.
