Suicide Prevention Protocol

A student should be immediately referred for assistance according to the procedures outlined below in the event a member of the College community has actual knowledge that the student has:

  1. Attempted suicide while enrolled at the College;
  2. Attempted suicide recently before matriculation at the College, or
  3. Has stated plans or intentions to commit suicide, including active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent to act or active suicidal ideation with some intent to act, without a specific plan.

Suicide Prevention Procedures

Active Suicide Attempt

  • Any member of the College community who has actual knowledge that a student has just engaged in, is in the process of engaging in, or is about to engage in suicidal behavior, shall immediately contact emergency personnel. 
  • For on-campus emergencies call Campus Police 617-228-2222, off-campus call 911.
  • The Dean of Students or designee shall notify the student’s emergency contact.
  • The Dean of Students or designee may consult with the College’s Behavioral Intervention Team, the BHCC CARE Team, to determine an appropriate medical referral, help identify support strategies, or develop a follow-up action plan.
  • If a student refuses medical assistance from emergency personnel, the student is subject to involuntary treatment and/or commitment based on the professional judgment of emergency personnel.
  • A student who has engaged in an active suicide attempt shall be required to be assessed by a mental health professional to determine the level of continued suicide risk posed and whether they are capable of returning to the College and comporting themself in a reasonable and safe manner.

Previous Suicide Attempt

  • Any member of the College community who has actual knowledge that a student has attempted suicide at the College or recently before matriculating shall contact Campus Police at 617-228-2222.
  • The Dean of Students or designee shall notify the student’s emergency contact.
  • The Dean of Students or designee will attempt to meet with the student to assess the situation and assist them with obtaining appropriate medical care and support as necessary.
  • The Dean of Students or designee may consult with the College’s Behavioral Intervention Team, the BHCC CARE Team, to determine an appropriate medical referral, help identify support strategies, or develop a follow-up action plan.
  • A BHCC student who has attempted suicide or recently before matriculating shall be required to be assessed by a mental health professional to determine the level of continued suicide risk posed and whether they are capable of continuing at the College and comporting themself in a reasonable and safe manner.

Stated Plans or Intentions to Commit Suicide

  • Any member of the College community who has actual knowledge that a student has stated plans or intentions to commit suicide shall contact Campus Police at 617-228-2222.
  • The Dean of Students or designee shall notify the student’s emergency contact.
  • The Dean of Students or designee will attempt to meet with the student to assess the situation and assist him/her with obtaining appropriate medical care and support as necessary.
  • The Dean of Students or designee may consult with the College’s Behavioral Intervention Team, the BHCC CARE Team, to determine an appropriate medical referral, help identify support strategies, or develop a follow-up action plan.
  • A student who has stated plans or intentions to commit suicide shall be required to be assessed by a mental health professional to determine the level of continued suicide risk posed and whether they are capable of continuing at the College and comporting themself in a reasonable and safe manner.
     

Contact

Chi Nguyen, Administrative Assistant
Dean of Students Office
617-228-2408  |  cnguyen@bhcc.edu
Dean of Students Email: deanofstudents@bhcc.edu
Location: Building B, Room 309