Combating suicide with a donor-supported continuum of care

Springtime is closely associated with longer days, sunnier skies and a burst of flowers. But the new season also signals something much darker: Suicide rates tend to rise in the spring.

Mental health experts aren’t entirely sure why this phenomenon occurs. However, it’s a good time to learn how to help family, friends and community members navigate suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts or ideas — especially for young people. Suicide was the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 and 25 to 34 in 2020.

Meet a champion for suicide prevention and intervention

Terri Card has held the role of chief operating officer, Outpatient Operations for the MultiCare Behavioral Health Network.

Suicide prevention has long interested MultiCare Behavioral Health Foundation donor Terri Card.

Card began her career with eight years of inpatient psychiatric work. She says she tried to intervene in ways that allowed teens and adults at Puget Sound Hospital to move forward with their lives as best as possible.

She transitioned to outpatient work with the youth suicide prevention program at Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare, doing outreach at schools, hospitals and homes. Later, she helped families who’d lost a loved one to suicide.

“One of the best things about my job was that every day I had an opportunity to have a positive impact,” Card shares.

Suicide prevention advice and resources 

You may have heard that “You can’t ask kids if they’re thinking about suicide, because you’ll give them the idea.” Card’s experience has shown her that simply isn’t true.

“Most people don’t want to die, whether it’s a child, teen or an adult,” she explains. “They want help. They want to feel better; they want to be in less pain. It’s important people remember it’s OK to talk about it.”

Help is available, and it works, Card wants to share with those grappling with suicidal ideation. By seeking someone to guide them through their emotions and tap into their strengths, another path is always possible.

With the support of generous Foundation donors, the Behavioral Health Network is able to offer an entire continuum of care, which includes suicide prevention and intervention.

“At most schools in Pierce County, a child or teen has access to a MultiCare Behavioral Health clinician,” Card says. “Throughout our network, outpatient services are available, as well as crisis services.

“Both Pierce County and King County have crisis lines, so people can reach out, talk about what they’re experiencing and get the help and support they need in real time,” she adds.

Pierce County Crisis Line: 800-576-7764 or text HEAL to 741-741

King County Crisis Line: 866-427-4747

Inpatient treatment and services are also available:

• For adults:
  • 16-bed Greater Lakes Recovery Center in Parkland
  • Navos and Wellfound Behavioral Health hospitals
• For teens 13-17:
  • 27-bed Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital

Donations are ‘essential’ to behavioral health care

For many of these programs, there’s a significant funding gap between what’s received as reimbursement from payers and the actual cost of care. That’s where the Foundation and its supporters come in.

“Whether we’re seeing a child or adolescent in an outpatient clinic or as part of a school referral, donor dollars are essential in allowing us to serve the full range of needs with the full range of people who may need our help,” Card says. “Donations give us the flexibility and the added depth, so everybody has access to the services they need, including crisis services for those who are most at risk.

“Donations give us an essential safety net in our service to our community, and it’s a safety net we simply would not otherwise have,” she continues. “There’s a reason I’m a MultiCare donor — I’ve seen firsthand the impact of donor dollars on clients’ lives. Thank you to everyone who has helped us in this effort. Please know your donations serve a vital cause.”

You can increase access to behavioral health care, such as crisis services, by supporting the MultiCare Behavioral Health Foundation.