Dissemination Methods for Suicide Prevention Programs

After determining the appropriate audience(s) for dissemination, there are many methods that can be utilized to share findings and successes of a rural suicide prevention program.

Some methods of dissemination for suicide prevention programs include:

• Sharing information through the organization's website or on social media
• Creating and distributing program materials such as flyers, posters, and promotional giveaways
• Creating public service announcements for television, radio, and print media about how to recognize signs of suicide and how to respond
• Participating in local festivals or events
• Publishing program or policy briefs
• Submitting articles or press releases to local newspapers
• Presenting at regional or national conferences, including:
  • American Association of Suicidology Annual Conference
  • National Rural Health Association Annual Conference
  • National Association for Rural Mental Health Annual Conference

Additional suggestions for dissemination strategies to consider are discussed in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.

Resources to Learn More

MSRC Dissemination Science Institute
Website
Focused on developing and improving the dissemination of suicide prevention evidence-based practices and research findings to target populations. Provides tutorials, presentations, and workshops given by experts in the fields of suicide prevention and dissemination science.
Organization(s): Military Suicide Research Consortium

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention Implementation Assessment Report
Document
Summarizes the efforts of several national organizations and federal agencies to implement the goals and objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Offers recommendations to support community-level suicide prevention strategies including dissemination of prevention research.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Date: 2017