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)
What 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
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
MHFA requires 2 hours of pre-work and 5 hours of in-person or virtual learning. Trainings can be tailored to fit the needs of an organization. All training materials are provided at no cost.
MHFA for adults teaches people how to recognize the signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addiction. The training is suited for individuals 18 and older. This training requires 2 hours of pre-work and 5 hours of in-person or virtual learning.
Rural MHFA is useful in rural communities where access to mental health services may be limited. Rural MHFA is a way to build community-level capacity to identify mental health and substance use concerns early and for rural residents to increase their confidence to intervene and refer people to resources that do exist.
Older Adult MHFA teaches participants how to identify risk and protective factors specific to older adults.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
YMHFA requires 2 hours of pre-work and 5 hours of in-person or virtual learning. All training materials are provided at no cost.
YMHFA is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human service workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (ages 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. YMHFA is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavioral disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
QPR requires 1.5 hours of in-person or virtual learning. All training materials 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.
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.
My Ascension
My Ascension is an inspiring look at a teen’s story, and includes firsthand experiences of families, friends, school officials, and suicide prevention experts. The film does not shy away from the difficult realities of the ongoing youth suicide crisis but shares valuable resources to help keep teens safe.
To sign up for your free community training or event today, click here and complete the form. A SWDH team member will follow up within 48 business hours.