Check-in With You: The Older Adult Hopelessness Screening Program (OAHS), developed by Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, assesses levels of hopelessness in older adults and provides early intervention services to reduce suicide risk, improve quality of care, and prevent the onset of serious mental illness. All adults 55+ receiving primary health care services are screened for hopelessness and suicidal intent. The Beck Hopelessness Scale® is administered before patients’ health appointments. Those who screen as moderate to severe are offered early intervention services. Patients who choose to participate receive ongoing support, mental health case management, short-term intervention, and warm linkages to local services that can help improve social, physical, environmental, emotional, and financial wellness.
Population of focus: Adults aged 55 years and over
Links to resource:
- Information about the program on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center website
- Purchase the Beck Hopelessness Scale manual, forms, and scoring kit
Contact:
Christi Lupkes
MHSA Manager, Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency
5957 South Mooney Boulevard
Visalia, CA 93277
(559) 624-8000
clupkes@tularehhsa.org
www.tchhsa.org