AUTHOR=Werdin Sophia , Hollenstein Eva , Wyss Kaspar TITLE=Promoting the Sustainability of Suicide Prevention Projects in Switzerland JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews VOLUME=46 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1607824 DOI=10.3389/phrs.2025.1607824 ISSN=2107-6952 ABSTRACT=Background

Suicide prevention requires evidence-based measures at all prevention levels, embedded in coordinated and sustainable efforts. This policy brief aims to promote the long-term integration of project-based suicide prevention initiatives into the health system. We identify key facilitators and barriers to project sustainability and provide actionable recommendations for advancement.

Analysis

This policy brief integrates evidence from a narrative review, a qualitative study with 36 suicide prevention experts, and ongoing evaluation research on suicide prevention projects to assess sustainability determinants and associated challenges. Key barriers to sustainability include evaluation gaps, insufficient collaboration, limited stakeholder awareness, organizational challenges, and financial constraints.

Policy Options

To promote the sustainability of suicide prevention projects in Switzerland, we recommend: 1. Establishing a national suicide prevention website with resources and good practices. 2. Creating a guideline for multi-level collaboration and stakeholder engagement. 3. Involving target groups in project design, implementation, and evaluation. 4. Developing a sustainable financing plan early on.

Conclusion

Implementing these recommendations can enhance access to structured information, foster multi-level collaboration, raise awareness, and optimize resource allocation, thereby strengthening suicide prevention in Switzerland.