Caring letters cut suicide risk for Ex-Inmates in huge trial
NCT ID NCT05579600
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether sending brief, caring letters to people after they leave jail can help prevent suicide and encourage them to use healthcare services. Over 45,000 adults who were released from Ohio jails and enrolled in Medicaid took part. The letters were sent for six months and aimed to make people feel supported and connected to care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Caring Contacts letters
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to reduce suicide risk and improve healthcare engagement for people leaving jail.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed trial, but results may not apply to other populations or settings. The intervention is just letters, so its impact may be limited.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Butler Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island, 02906, United States
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