Suicide Prevention
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.
About SPAN & Joining the Committee
We are making a difference to reduce suicide, supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide and bringing the discussion of suicide out of the shadows. However, there is much more to be done in 2022! SPAN of North Idaho has established six suicide prevention and support priorities and we need your help to achieve these priorities.
They are:
• Capacity building and infrastructure (strengthening our SPAN Team)
• Training and technical assistance (suicide prevention training and resources)
• Communications and outreach
• Data, evaluation, and systems integration (gathering data to make informed decisions)
• Advocacy and policy
• Suicide care provision and zero suicide objectives
Please let us know if you are willing to be a team lead or team member for one of these priorities or an active participant on the SPAN Committee. Feel free to email SPANofNI@phd1.idaho.gov if you have questions. We would appreciate the chance to discuss the details of how your commitment to this important effort can make a difference in our community.
Everyone has different experiences with their own mental health, and their own preferred methods of care and support. We all have mental health, and by taking one simple action, we can each help influence massive collective change to support #MentalHealth4All.
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
Annual Break the Silence 5k Walk
Save the Date! Saturday, September 10th, for the annual Break the Silence 5K walk, run, skip, (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.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
The annual Break the Silence Walk begins at the beautiful Riverstone Park (1805 Tilford Lane), nestled in the Village at Riverstone in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Walkers will start at Riverstone Park/Centennial Trail junction and travel along the beautiful Centennial Trail. The “Break the Silence Loop” sign located at the halfway point of the walk will signify it is time to return to Riverstone Park, where light snacks & entertainment will be waiting. A water station will also be available at the halfway point.
Enjoy the music provided by local DJ, Alejandro, and be sure to visit the many community resource provider tables in the park. (Lots of free swag!)
Many people in our North Idaho community have been touched by suicide. Suicide and thoughts of suicide has risen to become a public health crisis. In response, Panhandle Health District (PHD) sponsors and leads the Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho (SPAN). SPAN’s members include metal health experts, community partners, law enforcement, schools, health care representatives and concerned citizens. The annual SPAN Break the Silence Walk remembers those lost to suicide, supports those touched by suicide, reduces the stigma associated with suicide and creates much needed resources to prevent suicide.
In 2019, over eight hundred people registered for the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) Annual Walk. The pandemic caused the cancellation of the Walk in 2020 and 2021. The community is ready to come together in 2022 and the number of participants is expected to exceed 2019 totals.
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.
Media Resources & Training
Quick Links
Online Media, Message Boards, Bloggers and Citizen Journalists
Video on Responsible Reporting
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)
© Panhandle Health District 2019
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