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:
- Attempted suicide while enrolled at the College;
- Attempted suicide recently before matriculation at the College, or
- 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.