Barrins Bulletin
September 2024
Greetings to Our Colleagues in Behavioral Health!
Over the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in reducing the risk of suicide, though it remains a pressing public health concern. Thanks to the dedication of behavioral health providers, as well as increased awareness, the stigma surrounding mental health has diminished, allowing more people to seek help early on. Public awareness campaigns, workplace mental health initiatives, and community-based programs have all played pivotal roles in creating environments where mental health is prioritized, making it easier for individuals to access support.
Advancements in crisis intervention services, like the creation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and the integration of mental health care into primary care, have allowed for earlier identification of at-risk individuals. Telehealth and digital innovations have further expanded access to mental health care, especially in under-served areas, ensuring that individuals can connect with professionals quickly and easily. Behavioral health providers have been instrumental in ensuring these services reach those who need them most.
Although suicide rates have been on the rise again since 2020, the efforts of behavioral health providers are not in vain. The steady progress made in reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and implementing preventive measures has undoubtedly saved lives. These efforts highlight the resilience and dedication of the behavioral health field in combating the ongoing crisis. Continued focus on tailored, evidence-based interventions ensures that more lives are being saved, even as new challenges arise, and that those in need have better access to the care and resources required to prevent suicide.
Our newsletter is designed to support behavioral health organizations through this transition by offering clear, straightforward regulatory and accreditation updates, along with practical compliance tips to help navigate these challenges smoothly. We also share creative strategies for making learning and competency development more engaging and enjoyable, so that staying informed becomes less of a task and more of an opportunity to grow. We hope this edition eases both your mind and your workload—so keep reading for insights that can lighten the load and even bring a little fun to your compliance journey.
As always, we appreciate your input on the newsletter. Please take a moment to share your comments and let us know your thoughts. Additionally, we welcome suggestions for topics you would like to see covered in future issues. We eagerly anticipate hearing from you! Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to your colleagues; their insights are invaluable to us as well.
Best Regards,
Youth suicide is a heartbreaking reality that communities around the world grapple with. However, there is hope. By employing creative and compassionate strategies for reducing youth suicide, we can create environments that foster resilience, support mental health…
When embarking on the journey of constructing a new healthcare facility, the stakes are incredibly high. The success of the project not only depends on the architectural and construction teams but also on a seamless alignment with accreditation and regulatory…
Providers should ensure their interventions are not only evidence-based but also culturally attuned, addressing the unique social and environmental factors that contribute to elevated suicide risks in these communities.
In practical terms, this could involve expanding partnerships with community organizations, implementing peer-led programs, and continuously seeking to understand the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect high-risk groups. Behavioral health providers can also leverage resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is central to the ongoing suicide prevention strategy, offering crisis support that reaches diverse populations quickly and effectively.
These steps ensure that providers are contributing to a more inclusive, upstream approach to suicide prevention, reducing barriers to care for the most vulnerable populations.
We were founded by Anne Barrins, former Joint Commission surveyor, and are succeeded by Julia Finken, former Joint Commission surveyor, Associate Director of Business Development for the Home Care Program, and Executive Director of Business Development for the Behavioral Health Care and Psychiatric Hospital Programs.
- Strategies for Reducing Youth Suicide: Building Hope and Resilience
- Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Consultant in New Healthcare Builds
- Supporting the Completion and Implementation of Psychiatric Advance Directives
- Tip of the Month: Integrating Culturally Responsive Care into Suicide Risk Reduction Efforts
Why Choose Us
“We engaged Barrins & Associates after having multiple documents cited in a recent Joint Commission survey (HVA, plan templates, EOC testing documentation, etc.). We worked closely with the Barrins Life Safety Consultant to develop tools quickly and were able to avoid citations at our next survey just weeks later. Having the Barrins’ consultant’s expertise and these tried-and-true templates and tools available saved our QA person “dozens of hours” of trying to develop her own templates and led to a successful survey.””
Anonymous
Are You Survey Ready?
At Barrins & Associates we can assist you to reduce the risk of suicide in the patient population and community you serve. Achieve and sustain accreditation and regulatory compliance in adherence to the TJC, DNV, CHIQ, ACHC, CARF, COA, and CMS standards for psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health and human services providers.
Inquire today about our consulting services.
We continue to support your journey toward accreditation and regulatory compliance.