Suicide Prevention

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.

Idaho residents can call or text 988 at any time to talk to a trained professional who can help them through a behavioral health crisis. The emergency phone number is available nationwide. Anyone experiencing behavioral-health related stress – thoughts of suicide, mental health issues, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress – can call or text 988 at any time. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis intervention.

About SPAN & Joining the Committee

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.

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.

REGISTER HERE!

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.