Italy launches European project to train community sentinels for suicide prevention

The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) has launched a project within the European Prism Joint Action to establish a network of “community sentinels.” These individuals, including general practitioners and helpline operators, are trained to recognize early warning signs of suicide risk and facilitate connections to professional mental health services.

In Italy, 3,830 deaths by suicide were recorded in 2023 among individuals aged 15 and older, representing a mortality rate of 6.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. While this is a slight decrease from 3,934 deaths in 2022, the risk remains stable in the post-pandemic period.

Legislative calls have emerged to establish regional prevention centers staffed by trained psychiatrists. Advocates emphasize the need for unified medical protocols and support for “survivors”—the close relatives and friends of those who have died by suicide. Concerns have also been raised regarding the impact of digital platforms and AI tools on youth, noting that some young users have used generative AI to inquire about methods of self-harm.