Improving suicide risk detection in rural Appalachian schools
Official title: Implementing the NIMH Clinical Pathway in Rural Appalachian School-Based Health Clinics
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-10975089 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to create a helpful program for spotting and managing suicide risk in young people at health clinics in rural Appalachian schools, making sure it fits their unique needs so they can get better mental health support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $269,646 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH137618-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975089 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth living in rural Appalachian areas who may be at risk for suicide.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in rural Appalachian regions or who are not at risk for suicide may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to implement an evidence-based program for detecting and managing suicide risk among youth in rural Appalachian school-based health clinics. It focuses on adapting the NIMH Clinical Pathway, which has been effective in urban settings, to meet the unique needs of rural communities. The study will involve routine screening, assessment, and follow-up for suicide risk, utilizing a mixed methods approach to gather data on local needs and barriers. By tailoring the program to the specific context of rural Appalachia, the research seeks to improve access to mental health care for underserved youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce suicide risk among rural Appalachian youth by improving access to mental health resources.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing similar suicide risk detection programs in urban settings, but this adaptation for rural areas is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christensen, Mary — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Christensen, Mary
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.