Firearm-related suicides are a hidden public health emergency driven by social despair and systemic inequities.

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, WellLink’s Brian Lane, President and CEO, and Dr. Kim Byas, Vice President of Community Engagement and Impact, share how the Center for Health Affairs in Cleveland partnered with AWS to launch a groundbreaking Social Determinants of Health Innovation Hub. Using clean, harmonized data and predictive modeling, their team has uncovered powerful correlations between firearm suicides and factors like unemployment, housing insecurity, and lack of transportation. This data-driven approach is transforming suicide prevention efforts from reactive to proactive.

They discuss how this work has led to targeted interventions, such as deploying trained social workers instead of law enforcement to crisis calls, and inspired replication of the model in other states and internationally. With over 250 organizations collaborating across sectors, the initiative is creating scalable solutions that address both behavioral health crises and their root causes.

Brian and Dr. Byas also reveal how AI and large language models are being used to test interventions, improve care pathways, and reduce healthcare costs, all while strengthening community resilience. Their work proves that solving complex health challenges requires both advanced technology and deep community partnerships.

Tune in to hear how data, collaboration, and innovation are reshaping the future of suicide prevention!