Grant to help with suicide prevention

SANDPOINT — The Region 1 Behavioral Health Board secured a grant from the Idaho Community Foundation for suicide prevention activities, specifically targeting Boundary and Bonner counties.

“Securing funds for mental health services in frontier counties is a challenge” said Ron Beecher, board chairman. ”We are very appreciative to the foundation for directly addressing the mental health crisis burdening our communities.”

The grant covered the development of local professionals by becoming trainers of the evidence-based QPR (Question/Persuade/Refer) program. This proven suicide prevention method helps parents, teachers, co-workers, and other community members to be able to identify and assist people who may be struggling with mental health issues. The trainers will be located in rural areas of the counties, such as Priest River and Clark Fork.

Any person or organization interested in accessing these trainers, at no cost, or learning more about the QPR program may contact Jennifer Ugolini at 208-415-5198. The community is encouraged to take advantage of this valuable resource.