IDAHO: While Suicide Rates Rise in Idaho and the Mountain West, Health Care Professionals and Grassroots Organizations Grapple with the Causes and Effects

October 12, 2018

News Type:  Weekly Spark, Weekly Spark News
Speaker:  Idaho

Magic Valley

Idaho is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing its increased suicide rates. The state strategic plan includes a call to implement the Zero Suicide model in at least 10 health care systems between 2019 and 2023. The plan also sets a goal of training 60 professional and community-level gatekeepers to identify and assist people at risk for suicide. To address suicide in schools, the Idaho legislature recently passed the Jason Flatt Act, which requires school staff to receive training in suicide awareness and prevention. The statewide suicide prevention program has also launched an awareness campaign that encourages the public to reach out to friends, family, and coworkers who might be struggling. This multi-pronged approach aims to address suicide in many different settings. “The suicide prevention initiative centers on education and outreach in acknowledgment that everyone has a role to play, including such disparate entities as schools, medical providers, and shooting clubs,” said Russell Barron, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Spark Extra! Learn more about suicide prevention in Idaho.