Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital is a participant in the Preventing Youth Suicide Collaborative; a national initiative of leading children’s hospitals committed to advancing the implementation of the Zero Suicide framework. This important work is made possible through the generous support of the Cardinal Health Foundation, in partnership with the Children’s Hospital Association.
Organization Profile
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, founded in 1955, is a trusted referral center in Washington’s Puget Sound region. Each year, it serves ~162,000 patients, 60% of whom rely on Medicaid. In 2026, Mary Bridge will open a new 96-bed standalone facility, featuring reduced-risk ED rooms, a pediatric ICU, and advanced specialty services.
Implementation of Zero Suicide
The Zero Suicide initiative launched with a Workforce Survey to identify needs. Staff training was developed to reflect local behavioral health priorities, with emphasis on:
- Suicide Care Pathways
- Trauma-informed de-escalation
Training was delivered through a four-part series with visual aids, and results showed 54% of ED staff improved their knowledge of suicide care. Monthly meetings with ED leaders ensure sustained progress.
Partnerships with community behavioral health and youth crisis providers support smooth care transitions. With behavioral health tax funding, Mary Bridge offers free brief interventions and navigation services for up to 90 days post-ED visit.
Key Outcomes
- 81% of staff completed new training.
- 54% of staff now report clear understanding of suicide care.
- Established a standardized Suicide Care Pathway across specialties.
- Created Epic reporting for suicide-related metrics.
- Expanded trauma-informed de-escalation and mock code gray drills across the MultiCare Health System.
Next Steps
Mary Bridge will expand standardized screening into ambulatory settings and pilot next-day behavioral health appointments post-ED discharge. Training in de-escalation will be expanded hospital-wide, with the goal of reducing safety incidents. Long-term, the hospital aims to strengthen continuity of care and reduce readmissions through robust follow-up.