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.

Suicide in Idaho

Idaho has the 6th highest suicide rate in the country¹
Idaho has the 6th highest youth suicide rate in the country²
Suicide is the 7th leading cause of death in Idaho³
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in Idaho for 15–44-year olds³
12–17-year-old girls have the highest emergency department visits for suicide ideation and suicide attempts out of any age group and sex⁴
80% of suicide deaths in Idaho are male⁴
64% of visits to the emergency department for suicide attempts are female⁴
17% of suicide deaths in Idaho are veterans⁴
Idaho has a suicide rate of 21.2 deaths per 100,000.¹
The following are the suicide rates in Southwest District Health counties from 2020-2024⁴:
- Adams – 32.9 per 100,000
- Canyon – 18.3 per 100,000
- Gem – 30.3 per 100,000
- Owyhee – 23.8 per 100,000
- Payette – 25.7 per 100,000
- Washington – 18.0 per 100,000

Free Community Trainings and Events

Free behavioral health gatekeeper trainings are offered throughout the region to community members and organizations. These trainings are intended to increase awareness of behavioral health needs, recognize signs of suicide, respond to overdose, and more. For a list of current free trainings in the region, visit WICHC.org/stigma-reduction-project-team or visit this virtual flyer.

Region 3 Suicide Prevention Coalition Calendar

The Region 3 Suicide Prevention Coalition hosts a public coalition calendar with educational opportunities, trainings, community events, and grief support groups. To add an opportunity to this calendar, fill out this form or contact CommunityHealth@swdh.id.gov

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.

Their 4 priority areas include:

Lethal means safety and secure storage of lethal means to prevent suicide
Stigma reduction
Suicide loss and grief support
Youth and adolescent support

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

There is Hope. Help is Available

This website is NOT intended to and does NOT provide crisis intervention. If you are in crisis or have concerns about someone else, please call or visit the resources below:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org to speak with qualified crisis counselor.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national crisis line to provide support to any individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Youth & Adult Crisis Centers
Youth and adult crisis centers are facilities that offer immediate support, services, and connection to community resources to individuals facing behavioral health emergencies. They are free, confidential, open 24/7/365, and do not require an appointment or referral.
- Western Idaho Community Crisis Center serves adults 18+ years old. Call 208-402-1044 or visit WIDCCC.org
- Western Idaho Youth Support Center serves youth 5-17 years old. Call 208-899-4727 or visit WesternIdahoYouthSupportCenter.org