Suicide Prevention Regional Coordination System

Regional suicide prevention coordination in Minnesota is a system-wide approach funded and supported through state grants. Under this model:
– Regional coordinators work with individuals, community groups, organizations, and systems to help build sustainable, community-led prevention efforts.
– Coordinators provide technical assistance, training, resource dissemination, networking opportunities, and information on critical resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
– By fostering connection and collaboration across local partners, regional coordination helps ensure that suicide-prevention strategies are culturally responsive, evidence-informed, and locally relevant.

Learning objectives:

• Describe the structure and goals of Minnesota’s regional suicide prevention coordination model and its role within the statewide suicide prevention system.
• Identify key strategies used by regional coordinators to build community capacity, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and promote equitable suicide prevention efforts.
• Apply lessons learned from Minnesota’s regional coordination approach to inform or enhance suicide prevention collaboration in participants’ own communities or regions.

Bio:

Sara Salas Ramirez is the Suicide Prevention Regional Coordinator for the Southeast Region. Sara covers Dodge, Filmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona. Sara graduated from St. Cloud State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science. Over the past decade, she has built a career in social services, serving in adult and child case management – supporting individuals affected by substance abuse, trauma, mental health, domestic abuse, and involvement with the justice system. Sara has experience working with coalitions and prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Sara continues to work in providing prevention education and supporting all communities.