Engage | Tools
CODE RED Universal Safety Planning Intervention

CODE RED is a universal safety planning program developed by Dr. Julie Cerel at the University of Kentucky. Designed for adolescents ages 12 and older and adults, it can be delivered in schools, workplaces, community organizations, and faith-based settings. In an approximately one-hour session, participants create a personalized, step-by-step safety plan to help them feel grounded, safe, and supported before a crisis occurs. The plan focuses on four areas—COntact, DElay, RElax, and Distract—and includes education about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.