Bee Heard: What is suicide prevention?

First off, suicide is preventable and there are steps we can take to prevent it. How and when we help someone is considered suicide prevention. It can be through media campaigns, reaching out and checking on someone, going to counseling or maybe even taking medication prescribed by a physician or psychiatrist.

Taking a gatekeeper suicide prevention training is also suicide prevention. These pieces of training teach you what mental health, behavioral health or substance use-related crisis looks like and what risk factors and warning signs to look for. You also learn what steps to take if someone is experiencing a crisis and non-crisis situation.

What gatekeeper trainings are out there?

There are quite a few gatekeeper trainings out there. But it’s important to find one that is evidence-based or at least “best practices” in the field of suicide prevention.

Here are some of the trainings that are available:

• Mental Health First Aid- MHFA or YMHFA (adult or youth-specific)
• Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)
• Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR)

These are just a few and they all differ depending on time, accessibility and content. Some are as quick at 60 minutes and online. Some are one-day in-person trainings and go more in-depth about mental health and behavioral health issues.

Is there training available right now? Yes.

The Native Connections Program has purchased online licenses for the QPR Online Gatekeeper Training and is offering training to employees of the Southern Ute Tribe and Southern Ute tribal members.

This training is free. It’s online, self-paced and will take about 60 minutes to complete.

Sign up now. Contact Precious Collins at 970-306-8131 or prcollins@southernute-nsn.gov to sign up to take the free online suicide prevention training through the QPR Institute.

Want to help and be a part of the change?

Looking for community members and youth to join the Prevention Coalition tasked to reduce youth substance usage, eliminate mental health stigma and start the discussion around suicide and prevention. Contact Precious Collins, Native Connections Program Coordinator for more information 970-563-2487.

LOCAL RESOURCES

• So. Ute Health Center: Behavior Health 69 Capote Dr., Ignacio, CO, 970-563-4581. For local Native Americans. Call to schedule a counseling appointment.
• So. Ute Social Services: 116 Capote Dr., Ignacio, CO, 970-563-2331 for local Native Americans needing assistance with child welfare needs and family support.
• St. Ignatius Catholic Church: Pastor Cesar Arras, 14826 CO-172, Ignacio, CO 970-563-4241.
• Ignacio Community Church: Pastor Randall Haynes 405 Browning Ave., Ignacio, CO (currently located inside ELHI), 970-759-3633.
• Second Wind Fund of the Four Corners: Believes that every child and youth at risk of suicide should have access to the mental health treatment they need. We match children and youth at risk for suicide with licensed therapists in their communities, 720-962-0706.
• Women’s Resource Center: Creates personal, social and professional growth opportunities for all women in La Plata County, 970-247-1242.

24/7 STATE & NATIONAL RESOURCES

Colorado Crisis Line: 844-493-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255. You’ll immediately be put in contact with a trained counselor, ready to text with you about anything.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Has both an online chat and 24/7 phone line at 1-800-273-8255 if you are thinking of suicide or need help for a loved one.
• The Trevor Project: Seeks to serve LGBT youth, has a 24/7 suicide prevention line at 866-488-7386.

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