Suicide is a major preventable public health problem and cause of mortality. This course will review the major aspects of suicide assessment, management, and prevention, with a special focus on military veterans.

Nearly 50% of people who die by suicide see their primary care doctor in the month before their death. Asking the right questions to determine suicide risk should be as routine as checking blood pressure — and, with the Columbia Protocol, t’s just as quick.

Conversations about suicide can be uncomfortable. When the stakes are high, effectively engaging with a patient to encourage safety can be difficult.

Physicians have begun the practice of screening patients for suicidal ideation.