Friday, January 7, 2022 | The Latest Research, Commentary, And News From Health Affairs
Dear John,
January’s Leading To Health article highlights how Utah’s health system leaders and community advocates are working together to address perennially high suicide rates.
Preventing Suicide in Utah
In the most recent Leading To Health article, Charlotte Huff described cross-sector efforts by clinicians, public health leaders, state legislators, and others in Utah to address rising rates of suicide. The state was
ranked sixth nationally in deaths by suicide in 2019.
Intermountain Healthcare, the state’s largest health system and employer, made screening for suicidal thoughts more routine, opened three behavioral health access centers in Utah, and created a mental health crisis hotline.
Utah’s efforts also include education about gun safety and gun locks. "What’s notable about Utah’s efforts to promote gun safety is all of the diverse perspectives that have gathered, from mental health advocates to fierce gun proponents," Huff wrote.
Today in Health Affairs Forefront, Rachel Sachs discusses the past year in prescription drug policy and what may
be in store for 2022. George Halvorson argues that Medicare and the capitation system it employs represent our best hope for health reform and high-quality, cost-effective care.
Health Affairs is the leading peer-reviewedjournalat the intersection of health, health care, and policy. Published monthly by Project HOPE, the journal is available in print and online. Late-breaking content is also found through healthaffairs.org, Health Affairs Today, and Health Affairs Sunday Update.
Project HOPE is a global health and humanitarian relief organization that places power in the hands of local health care workers to save lives across the globe. Project HOPE has published Health Affairs since 1981.
