David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Mental Health Risk Retention Group (MHRRG) to support the launch of Caring Contacts, a suicide prevention pilot project. As Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider, DLC has been chosen as the first site for the introduction of this innovative national program.

“As suicide rates and the mental health crisis continue to escalate in Collier County and nationwide, this generous grant from the MHRRG will allow DLC to launch a pioneering program that will save countless lives,” said Scott Burgess, CEO of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health. “This program is a great opportunity to enhance our best-in-class services, help our clients and set up the vital framework to position other organizations across the country to do the same.”

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes. In 2022, the Florda Department of Health reported there were 54 deaths by suicide in Collier County. Nationwide, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022.

The Caring Contacts pilot program will feature intervention text messaging as a cost-effective, evidence-based strategy to reduce suicidal behavior among high-risk individuals. Brief, personalized messages of support and care will be delivered via text message to individuals who have recently attempted suicide or expressed suicidal ideation. The messages will be sent at regular intervals for up to six months and aim to enhance the individual’s sense of social support, belonging and hope.

The pilot program will focus upon individuals who have been discharged from DLC’s inpatient psychiatric unit following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis, evaluating the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention in reducing suicidal behavior and improving mental health outcomes. The program will also provide valuable insights and feedback for scaling intervention to the wider population.

“MHRRG is grateful to the David Lawrence Centers for accepting the invitation to serve as a pilot site for the program. David Lawrence’s participation continues its tradition of industry-leading, quality care,” said David Ptaszek, chairman of the MHRRG Board of Directors. “We join the David Lawrence Centers in our belief that if the program saves even one life it has been well worth the work and money to create it.”

The pilot program will have a duration of 12 months, beginning January 2025.

Funding from the grant will help offset personnel costs, including a project coordinator, data analyst and intervention staff, as well as materials associated with software development and data collection for the program.

DLC currently provides nearly 350,000 lifesaving and life-changing services to 9,000 individuals each year. The organization serves 13,000 individuals annually through prevention and education initiatives.

To learn more about the lifesaving and life-changing services and programs offered by David Lawrence Centers, visit DLCenters.org.

About David Lawrence Centers 

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents, and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 9,000 people through over 349,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, visit DLCenters.org or call 239-455-8500.

About the Mental Health Risk Retention Group

The Mental Health Risk Retention Group (MHRRG) specializes in providing liability insurance for the behavioral healthcare field. They are endorsed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Mental Health Corporation of America, two associations representing community mental health centers nationally. The MHRRG, a liability insurance company owned by its policyholders, offers stabilized premiums, protection against arbitrary cancellation, quality coverage, and a loss prevention program. Available coverages include professional liability, general liability, directors’ and officers’ liability. For more information, please visit mhrrg.com.