In honor of Suicide Prevention Month this September, we highlight GSS Professor Dana Alonzo’s Suicide Prevention Research Program (SPRP).
Guided by the principles of social justice, client self-determination, and the respect and dignity of all individuals, the SPRP is the only center of its kind focused on having a direct impact on the lives of individuals at risk of suicide through a multi-pronged, collaborative approach that coordinates the expertise and experience of researchers, practitioners, and community advocates to advance knowledge and develop and improve translatability and adaptation of interventions to mitigate risk of suicide.
Mission
The SPRP strives to serve as a coordinating force for translational research in suicide based on a strategy of developing and supporting opportunities for interdisciplinary investigations; collaborations between academia and practice, scientists and clinicians; and, training of early investigators and practitioners in new suicide prevention models and interventions.
Goals
The SPRP focuses on:
1) developing new interventions aimed at improving the treatment engagement and utilization of individuals at risk of suicide;
2) training frontline workers to effectively engage and work with at-risk individuals;
3) developing mental health training program curriculum focused on suicide assessment, management, and treatments; and
4) collaborating with community providers to encourage provider and patient involvement in education, prevention and clinical research efforts.
Who We Are
Program Founder & Director
- Dana Alonzo, Ph.D.
Program Associates:
- Sharon Alonso, LCSW
- Marta Colon, LCSW
- Shana Muzzy, LCSW
- Marciana Popescu, Ph.D.
- Abigail Ross, Ph.D.
- Ronald G. Thompson, Ph.D.
- Siva Mathiyazhagan, Ph.D.
For more information, visit the Program’s webpage, and read this article by Fordham News on Dr. Alonzo’s research.
