Suicide Prevention – Panhandle Health District

There is always hope.

We take mental and emotional health very seriously—especially when it comes to suicide. If you or someone you know is in despair, we’re here to help.

While suicide and non-fatal suicidal behavior are major public health problems across Idaho, they can be preventable. Panhandle Health District is dedicated to suicide prevention through our work with the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN), Region 1 Behavioral Health Board and many other community partners. We also offer QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training to groups within the Panhandle.

We hope that the resources found here will help our community understand and become involved in our efforts to prevent suicide, as suicide impacts everyone in our community.

If you or someone you know is struggling, we ask that you immediately reach out to the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1.800.273.TALK. Many people have found that talking helps to alleviate painful suicidal thoughts and feelings. There is hope. There is help. And we’re here for you through this.

Suicide Prevention Walk

Save the Date!
Join us on Saturday, September 12th, for the 12th annual Break the Silence 5K walk, run, jog, (or however you roll)! Our walk is in remembrance of those lost to the completion of suicide, and an effort to raise suicide awareness and prevention.

All proceeds and donations from this event benefit the Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho—keeping all funds within our community.

Local Resources

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line: Text the word START to 741-741

Kootenai Behavioral Health: 800-200-1511

North Idaho Crisis Service: 208-946-5595, phone Line for Bonner and Boundary counties. Eight licensed mental health professionals are available 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday; Saturday/Sunday 24hrs.

Ambitions of Idaho: Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Services
Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline
Region 1 Behavioral Health Board
North Idaho Crisis Center
St. Vincent de Paul
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare’s Children’s Mental Health Program
Idaho Lives Project

Media Resources & Training

Quick Links

Online Media, Message Boards, Bloggers and Citizen Journalists

Examples

Video on Responsible Reporting

Recommendations

Speaking with the Bereaved

Research

This site is NOT intended to and does NOT provide crisis intervention. If you are in a crisis, or have concerns about someone, call the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255)

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer

Register for a free QPR training!

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer – the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.

QPR can be learned in our Gatekeeper course in as little as one hour. QPR is offered through Panhandle Health District by filling out the request form below or Kootenai Health offers QPR. Find Kootenai Health’s available dates here and register.