"Strengthening the Frontline: Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Strategies in Primary Care Settings"

Abstract: Suicide remains a major public health concern worldwide, accounting for significant mortality and long-term psychosocial consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Primary care settings represent a critical point of contact for individuals experiencing psychological distress, as most people who die by suicide have visited a primary care provider within the year preceding their death. This review article explores evidence-based suicide prevention strategies in primary care settings, emphasizing early identification, risk assessment, integrated mental health care, provider training, patient-centered interventions, and community collaboration. Drawing on global guidelines and empirical studies, including recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this article highlights best practices for strengthening suicide prevention at the primary care level. The review also examines barriers to implementation, ethical considerations, and future directions. By integrating systematic screening, collaborative care models, and culturally sensitive approaches, primary care providers can play a pivotal role in reducing suicide-related morbidity and mortality.