Suicide Prevention: AZ Blue Programs that Aim to Save Lives

There have been more than 900 suicide deaths in Arizona this year to date according to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Suicide is preventable. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) is working to help save lives in many ways, including two suicide prevention programs.

Suicide Prevention Programs

The Suicide Prevention Partnership (SPP) is an AZ Blue program that provides a safe space for members to talk about their experience and receive support. Care Managers reach out to members with multiple suicide attempts or with an attempt requiring medical intervention. Health Choice, AZ Blue’s Medicaid plan, has a similar suicide prevention program called SHOUT (Safety Help Outreach Understand Track).

Both programs have a team of Care Managers who work with individuals to identify gaps in care, help them navigate the healthcare system, connect them to resources, and consistently engage with them during a difficult time.

“It can be anything from ensuring they have a provider they’ve developed a relationship with, that they have social drivers of health needs met, like housing and transportation, or that they’re able to get the medication they need,” Sharon Unterreiner, Director of Behavioral Health & Special Program said. “It's very personalized support based on the member’s needs.”

AZ Blue engaged with 116 individuals through both programs in 2023.

‘Your efforts made it possible for me not to give up.’

That’s the kind of feedback Manager of Integrated Care Management, Jeannie Maddox, and her team have heard from members.

"You can't do anything greater than walk alongside someone in their hour or months of need, and let them know they're not alone,” Maddox said. “And also give them the tools and help that will allow them to take the next step, move forward, and not make another attempt.”

Unterreiner agreed, adding, “I feel grateful we can help prevent someone from taking their life, knowing that, a lot of times, that feeling of dread and hopelessness is a passing piece. And if we can do something to intervene and help them through that passing piece, I feel privileged.”

Help is available

If you or a loved one needs immediate help: Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org, to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

Head to our Behavioral Health website for additional resources.