The CT Zero Suicide Learning Community (CT ZSLC) was initiated by the CT Suicide Advisory Board (CTSAB) and the Institute of Living/Hartford Healthcare in 2015 in partnership with the CT Hospital Association. Zero Suicide is a quality improvement approach based on the aspirational belief and goal that suicide deaths of individuals under care within health and behavioral health systems are preventable by addressing systemic gaps. Adopting and promoting Zero Suicide, and the recommended evidence-based practices, within health and behavioral healthcare organizations and outward to community-based partners who make up care pathways and networks can: 1) ensure people connect to the care and resources they need and desire early and often; 2) help avert crisis; and 3) prevent suicide attempts and death.

CT ZSLC participants are health and behavioral healthcare system staff and partners who are interested in preventing suicide among the populations they serve. The CT ZSLC promotes Zero Suicide by providing CT and national resources and technical assistance, workforce peer to peer support, and access to training and continuing education opportunities.

The CT ZSLC influenced the 2020 and 2025 adoption of Goal #3 of the CT Suicide Prevention Plan: to promote suicide prevention as a core component of healthcare services, as well as the 2020 revision of the CTSAB’s vision from “reduce and prevent” suicide to “eliminate” suicide by instilling hope across the lifespan.

Zero Suicide is a:

  • Goal of the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (#8) and CT Suicide Prevention Plan 2020 (#3) and 2025 (#3).
  • Priority of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and CT Suicide Advisory Board
  • Focus of the national Suicide Prevention Resource Center-Zero Suicide Institute, multiple health care systems nationwide, and Connecticut’s suicide prevention federal initiatives

CT Zero Suicide Learning Community flyer

For more information or to join, please contact one of the Tri-Chairs:

Andrea Duarte, MPH, LCSW
CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services/Office of the Commissioner
Manager, Prevention and Health Promotion
Andrea.Duarte@ct.gov

Marissa Sicley-Rogers, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist | Coordinator – Psychological Testing Service
Hartford Healthcare | Institute of Living
Marissa.Sicley-Rogers@hhchealth.org

Steven Rogers, MD, MS-CTR
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
Attending Physician – Division of Emergency Medicine
Medical Director – Emergency Behavioral Health Services
Scrogers@connecticutchildrens.org

Meetings

Meetings are held virtually January, March, May, July, September, and November on the 4th Wednesday, from 9:00 – 10:30 AM (EST), unless otherwise notified. For specific dates and links, please contact the Tri-Chairs.

CT ZSLC Selected Presentations:

Zero Suicide Resources: