Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention is a critical public health concern. A death by suicide can have long-lasting negative effects on individuals, families, and the community at large. Many factors may contribute to suicide, but it can be prevented.
At Southwest District Health, we are committed to addressing and reducing the risk factors that may contribute to suicide by increasing the protective factors that are unique to the communities we serve.
By promoting awareness and providing resources, and offering free community-based trainings, Southwest District Health is committed to its role of being a resource to those when they are in need of support.
There is Hope. Hope is Available
This website is NOT intended to and does NOT provide crisis intervention. If you are in crisis or have concerns about someone, call or text the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Lifeline at 988 or text CONNECT to 7417411. It’s free, confidential, and connects you with a trained crisis counselor. Help is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Suicide in Idaho
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Idaho.
In 2021:
- Idaho tied for the 12th highest suicide rate in the county.
- Idaho’s suicide rate is 1.4 times higher than the overall U.S. rate.
In 2022:
- 441 individuals died by suicide in Idaho.
- In Southwest Idaho, 64 individuals died by suicide. Of these,
- Ages 24 and younger accounted for 14 deaths by suicide.
- Older adults, ages 65+ accounted for 31 deaths by suicide.
Source: Idaho Violent Death Reporting System (IdVDRS)
Want to get involved in the effort to prevent suicide?
Join the Region 3 Suicide Prevention Coalition
Formed in 2019, the Region 3 Suicide Prevention Coalition formed as a group of concerned residents and set out to create a cross-sector collaboration with a shared purpose of preventing suicide. Today, the coalition’s membership expands throughout the Southwest Idaho region with representation from healthcare systems, schools, nonprofits, and behavioral health providers. The group meets monthly to share resources and trainings, collaborate on community projects, and promote messages of hope and resilience.
If you are interested in joining the coalition to learn more about suicide prevention resources in your community, please reach out to CommunityHealth@swdh.id.gov
Free Community Trainings and Events
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
QPR requires 1.5 hours of in-person or virtual learning. All training materials are provided at no cost.
Crisis First Aid
Crisis First Aid is a combined 3-hour course. All training materials and resources are provided at no cost.
QPR is a suicide prevention training for participants to recognize the warning signs of suicide and question, persuade, and refer people at risk for suicide for help. QPR is suited for individuals 18 and older.
Narcan training course will teach you how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone.