Lifeline

What is the Lawrence Lifeline Project?

The Lawrence Lifeline Project is a comprehensive approach to lowering suicide risk factors and enhancing protective factors, including life skills and social networking, among Lawrence students. The project will develop and implement culturally competent activites that strengthen infrastructure, and provide training and educational outreach tailored to the unique needs of our campus. Ongoing evaluation falls under three categories:

The outcomes evaluation is essential for determining the degree to which proposed objectives and noncomitant activites are producing the results we expect. At a general level, the outcomes evaluation will allow us to determine whether we have created a “systematic and sustainable structure” and “changed campus culture” in ways that support and encourage a healthier community. LU Student Suicide Prevention Survey 2010 (pdf)
Process evaluations will provide valuable insight on a) whether our efforts are unfolding as planned, b) where (and why) adjustments or changes may be needed, c) the effect of these changes on project objectives and outcome, d) whether staff are fulfilling their responsibilities and participants are receiving appropriate training and services in a supportive context, and e) how efficiently and effectively funds and resources are being used.
Cross-site evaluation involves two third-party research firms contracted by SAMHSA – ICF MACRO and Westat. As a requirement for receiving the grant, we are responsible for providing information to SAMHSA about funded projects located in different sites across the country.

Lifeline Reports

As part of cross-site evaluation, we administered the Suicide Prevention Exposure, Awareness, and Knowledge Survey (SPEAKS) and the Campus Infrastrucure Key Informant Interviews (CIFI). The results are below.

Lawrence Lifeline representatives attended the annual Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) grantee meeting in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Grantees have the opportunity to present and/or participate in the Networking Fair. As an exhibitor in 2011 and 2012 Networking Fair, we had the opportunity to meet, discuss, and share Lawrence's suicide prevention program with other campus, state, and tribal grantees.