Advancing Health Podcast
Ivinson Memorial Hospital - Suicide Prevention Task Force
The task force created Suicide Prevention Community Forums to address topics such as community efforts to prevent suicide, how people respond when tragedy strikes, available resources and what to do if you or someone you know might be at risk. Mental health professionals from Ivinson Memorial’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) and representatives from local schools and community agencies present information and answer questions.
What is it?
The task force created Suicide Prevention Community Forums to address topics such as community efforts to prevent suicide, how people respond when tragedy strikes, available resources and what to do if you or someone you know might be at risk. Mental health professionals from Ivinson Memorial’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) and representatives from local schools and community agencies present information and answer questions.
Who is it for?
The community and surrounding area.
Why do they do it?
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Wyoming youth, who have a suicide rate twice the national average. After five tragic youth suicides in Laramie in 2014-2015, the community came together to form the task force.
Impact
An adolescent text line, where teens exchange texts with a member of the BHS staff, has been a great success. The task force plans to advance mental wellness education in the schools to help teachers and youth notice the signs of mental health issues and start prevention early.
Contact: Mark Holder
Director, Behavioral Health Sciences
Telephone: 307-755-4367
Email: markholder@ivinsonhospital.org
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