Develop local community networks of trained informal helpers. These local networks would receive technical assistance and consultation from regional mental health professionals. Informal helpers should be individuals who have contact with others in their community. This could be anyone from the hairdresser or bartender to the local banker and veterinarian. Church pastors should be major players.
Potential helpers are also potential consumers.
It has been shown that a certain percent of people who volunteer do so to also help themselves. This may be seen as a more acceptable way of getting help. They are not designed to turn in people exhibiting signs of distress, but to help support friends and neighbors in need. Training Training is available for informal helpers. What is needed is a way to coordinate the training and get it to the communities.