NPR

NPR is increasing its efforts to follow expert recommendations for reporting on suicide. According to Public Editor Elizabeth Jensen, the media organization tries to balance accurate reporting with safety best practices. For example, NPR typically does not report on suicide methods, but has opted to include that information when it is relevant to a larger issue, such as police officers' access to firearms. Over several months, NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday is airing reports on suicide, including a recent piece on  suicide among older adults. Host Scott Simon said he was not previously aware that the term "commit suicide" could suggest a criminal act, and now avoids using it. Other hosts and reporters still use the term, however, which Jensen said needs to change.

The New York Times

A New York City program is using peer support to increase access to mental health services. The program is modeled after the  Friendship Bench intervention in Zimbabwe, where lay health workers provide problem-solving therapy on wooden benches outside of health clinics. New York City friendship benches are located next to community health centers and staffed by people in recovery from substance use or mental health issues. The peer workers offer mental health coaching to people who are struggling and help connect them to services and supports. "These are nontraditional safe spaces in plain view--no strings attached," said Takeesha White, acting assistant commissioner for the Bureau of Systems Partnership in the city's Center for Health Equity. "You can work with someone who has a heart and understands and has been through the system."