MHAI is proud to be a statewide partner to help prevent suicide in Illinois.  Suicide is recognized as a chronic epidemic.  Despite the overwhelming numbers, the tragedy of suicide is hidden by stigma, myth and shame.  The stigma surrounding suicide serves to restrict prevention and intervention.   MHAI staff is skilled in providing educational presentations to community members and professionals of all ages on suicide and depression. 

In 2004, MHAI was an integral partner in advocating for the creation of the Suicide Prevention, Education and Treatment Act (Public Act 093-0907).  Public Act 093-0907 (http://www.ilga.gov) directed the Illinois Department of Public Health to appoint an advisory board entitled the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance.  The Alliance represents statewide organizations and other agencies that focus on the prevention of suicide and the improvement of mental health treatment or providing suicide prevention or survivor support services.

The Alliance is charged with the finalization of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan and the oversight of the implementation of the Plan.  MHAI’s Executive Director has served as the Co-Chair of the Alliance since 2006.

MHAI staff are also certified trainers for the QPR Institute, whose founder, Dr. Paul Quinnett, created the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) gatekeeper model for suicide prevention.  QPR is the “CPR” for suicide prevention - Ask a Question, Save a Life.

What is a suicide prevention “Gatekeeper”?
A gatekeeper is someone trained to recognize a suicide crisis and knows how and where to find help.  Gatekeepers can be anyone within the community who comes in contact with someone who may be displaying signs of suicide.

Anyone can be a suicide prevention gatekeeper!