Forum to examine topic of teen suicide

The Kalispell Police Advisory Council plans a valleywide town meeting next week to examine teen suicide in the Flathead.

Scheduled Feb. 22 from 7-9 p.m., the forum will be at the Kalispell Center WestCoast Hotel.

Montana's high percentage of teenage suicides prompted the gathering to explore ways to reduce this mental health problem.

In 2002, Montana had the nation's second-highest rate of teen suicide. Suicide was the second-leading cause of death for Montanans between 15 and 34.

According to Elinor Edmunds of the Montana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 16 of the 182 suicides were in Flathead County. More than 20 percent of Flathead suicides were people between 12 and 24.

Psychiatrist Dr. Michael Newman, director of Pathways Treatment Center, will present the keynote address with information for parents and teens on depression and suicide warning signs.

Jolie Fish, who lost a child to suicide, will provide her perspective as a parent and a social worker. Counselor Kathleen Hayden will provide useful intervention practices to help a child or friend.

The town meeting also will include a panel of teens talking about depression, pressures on teenagers and their concern for friends with depression and thoughts of suicide. A school resource officer will give the public safety perspective.

Participants will have time to ask questions and get access to many local health-care providers for information on community resources.

For additional information, contact Pati Heath at 758-7774.