ACP Election Toolkit: Voter Registration and Equitable Access to Elections
In December 2023, ACP published a policy brief, which seeks to inform physicians, medical students, and other health care professionals of the links between electoral processes and health; encourage civic participation; and offer policy recommendations to support safe and equitable access to electoral participation to advance health equity for both patients and health care professionals.
National Physician Suicide Awareness Day Toolkit:
According to The Physicians Foundation, there are seven actions to help reduce physician burnout and ensure physicians' struggles don't become mental health emergencies.
- Learn the vital signs
- Encourage mental health reflection
- Share suicide prevention resources
- Prepare before a moment in crisis
- Check in with a physician
- Remove intrusive mental health questions
- Create a culture of wellbeing
Another helpful resource is NIMH Digital Toolkit for Suicide Prevention.
Now in Its Second Year, the 988 Lifeline Continues to Help Millions of People
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
“Thanks to unprecedented federal funding provided by the Biden-Harris Administration, we're connecting more people to help than ever before,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “I hope anyone who feels alone, or that they are without options, knows that 988 is there to help.”
SAMHSA also recently released a 988 Day Digital Toolkit with resources for partners to share information and increase awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to support the observance of 988 Day on September 8. The toolkit includes a variety of assets and guidelines to help partners, grantees, crisis centers, and community leaders effectively engage their audiences and amplify the message of “No Judgment. Just Help.”
Making Sense of Critical Suicide Studies: Metaphors, Tensions, and Futurities
by Luiza Cesar Riani Costa and Jennifer White (Soc Sci. 2024;13:183)
As part of a special issue on Critical Suicide Studies: Decolonial and Participatory Creative Approaches, this article presents findings from a qualitative research study suggesting that dominant language available to describe suicide and suicide prevention might not be adequate for expressing the complexities and contradictions of suicide prevention practice or suicide's ultimate unknowability.
Connecting Someone to Help (When They're Hesitant)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Many people experiencing a mental health crisis may feel hesitant to accept professional help when they need it, whether it means making an appointment with a therapist or reaching out to a crisis resource or mental health hotline. Knowing how to respond to their concerns—in a caring, empathetic, and validating way—can make all the difference.
ACP Launches New Sex and Gender Health Learning Hub
I.M. Matters Weekly
The hub offers member-exclusive resources for caring for patients navigating sexual, reproductive, and gender-related health care concerns.
Addressing Health Equity and Racial Justice
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
This directory of resources and learning opportunities was compiled to help address racial inequities and the associated stigmas that lead to persistent behavioral health disparities.
Online Toolkit for Health Professionals Harassed on Social Media
IMPACT
A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that 1 in 4 physicians who use social media reported being personally attacked. IMPACT created this resource to help physicians continue their advocacy and online presence and minimize risks of individual harassment.
Back to the September 20, 2024 issue of ACP IM Thriving