Youth Suicide Prevention Regional Roundtables Hosted Statewide

Teen suicide remains a critical issue across the state of Idaho.

That’s why the Idaho State Department of Education has partnered with the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare and the Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho (SPAN) to present a series of upcoming roundtables to focus on local response plans for suicide crisis interventions and completed suicides.

Idaho consistently ranks among the states with the highest suicide rates. According to the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 14.2% of Idaho students in grades 9-12 seriously considered suicide, and 6.9% reported making at least one attempt last year.

Given the devastating impact of suicide on families, schools and communities, it is critical that stakeholders identify the most efficient and effective responses to suicide issues including prevention, intervention and postvention.

One suicide is too many for our state. We know suicide is preventable and that individuals considering suicide don’t want to die; they simply don’t have the resources and support to overcome the challenges they face.
A collaborative plan is our best hope of preventing and effectively responding to suicide.  Key school personnel, law enforcement, Health & Welfare representatives and community providers are invited to attend these roundtables to discuss the local dynamics in responding to suicide and to strengthen existing plans.

The regional roundtables in Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston have already taken place. Here’s the schedule for the remaining roundtables:

Pocatello: Tuesday, April 27, 2010
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pocatello City Council Chamber, 911 N. 7th Ave., Pocatello

Idaho Falls: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
EIRMC, Behavioral Health Center, Conference Room, 2280 East 25th Street, Idaho Falls

Caldwell: Friday, April 30, 2010
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
College of Idaho, Simplot Dining Hall, Hendren Room, 2112 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell

Boise: Thursday, May 6, 2010
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Boise LDS Institute, Room 205/206, 1929 University Drive, Boise

Twin Falls: Friday, May 7, 2010
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Twin Falls County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, 425 Shoshone Street North, Twin Falls

Space is limited.  Please RSVP to SPAN Idaho at info@spanidaho.org or 208-860-1703.

~ Melissa M.