Regional Intervention Specialist Map

Prevent Suicide West Virginia’s Regional Youth Intervention Specialists provide for a wide array of suicide prevention activities within their regions including, the dissemination of information, training, technical assistance and consultation in implementing best practices regarding suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. In regards to direct services, they provide for suicide screening, assessment, referral, safety planning and follow-up with youth and young adults. Additionally, the Intervention Specialists provide direct follow-up services for attempt survivors and their families presenting to EDs, inpatient hospitals, and the National Suicide Lifeline in efforts of providing for continuity of care with access to community-based treatment. Such services include educational information disseminated to survivors and their families; development of referral mechanisms between agencies; provision of courtesy calls on safety planning updates; appointment reminders; supportive services; and development and implementation of protocols for follow-up procedures. The Regional Youth Intervention Specialists work to reduce risk factors and promote protective factors of youth in a multifaceted approach to prevention.