Abstract
Issue
From January 2026, suicide prevention is a statutory municipal task in the Netherlands under the Integrated Suicide Prevention Act. This shift places a complex public health responsibility at local level, where expertise, capacity and organizational structures vary widely. 113 Suicide Prevention, Association of Netherlands Municipalities and GGD GHOR Nederland developed a national support program to enable municipalities to develop effective, evidence‑based suicide prevention policies. This program is relevant internationally as many countries move toward decentralized suicide prevention governance.
Problem description
The program supports municipalities and GGDs with regional data reports, training, networking sessions, an online community platform and policy toolkit to strengthen governance, improve capacity and promote coherent regional approaches. A baseline survey was conducted in 2025 among all 25 GGDs to assess organization, political support, resources, needs and familiarity with evidence-based models. A follow up measurement at the end of 2026 will evaluate program effects.
Results
Baseline findings show strong municipal interest but large differences in preparedness. Suicide prevention is regionally organized in 9 regions. Most others are locally organized or largely unstructured. Political support is present in 24 regions, often without concrete plans or resources. Governance structures are mostly absent or informal. Budget availability is uneven and often limited. Most regions are familiar with evidence-based models. Key barriers include unclear roles, limited capacity, financial uncertainty and low perceived urgency. Success factors include broad ownership, coordination and data use.
Lessons
Municipalities benefit from clear structures, practical tools, reliable data and coordinated regional collaboration. Standardized tools combined with shared learning offer a transferable model for countries developing decentralized suicide prevention systems.
Key messages
• National and regional support strengthens municipalities in meeting new legal duties for suicide prevention, providing evidence‑based tools, data, and training.
• Baseline findings shows large variation in municipal readiness; tailored support is essential for effective national implementation.