Organizing for Suicide Prevention

<p><em>Organizing for Suicide Prevention: A Case Study at the Golden Gate Bridge</em> describes the long struggle to end a tragic history of individuals jumping from the bridge to their death. Readers learn how a group of advocates grew and sustained a coalition led by families touched by suicide and including prevention supporters health professionals and other interested parties to build a successful campaign for a suicide prevention structure at the Golden Gate Bridge. Central to this story is an understanding that restricting easy access to lethal means-a simple yet often poorly understood suicide prevention technique-can save lives.</p><p>The text demonstrates how the coalition's advocacy was employed to gain approval for an access restriction structure on the bridge. Dedicated chapters help readers understand how to develop a public campaign to address suicide hotspots or other mental health issues through community organizing assertive communications and a persistent focus on goals.</p><p>Balancing the findings of suicide prevention researchers with practical application <em>Organizing for Suicide Prevention</em> is an ideal textbook for undergraduate or graduate social work macro courses focused on communities and organizations. It is also a valuable resource for practicing social workers community advocates and community organizers.</p>