Meeting to discuss suicide prevention

A Whitefish town hall meeting has been organized to discuss suicide prevention, intervention and surviving loss at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Grouse Mountain Lodge Convention Center.

Support organizations, including those from education, health care, civic, safety and religious groups, will share information on how they can help people of all ages in times of crisis.

The meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about support services for themselves, family or friends.

 Montana ranks second in the nation in suicides, with Flathead County in the top 100 counties nationwide. In 2009, 20 citizens in this county died of suicide, almost triple the numbers of 2007 and 2008. This number is a fraction of the total number of attempts.

Many others are experiencing pain from loss, loneliness and helplessness. The goal of the meeting is to break the silence about suicide and provide a venue for sharing information to benefit individuals, as well as the community as a whole.

Under the guidance of Jerry House, superintendent of the Whitefish School District, community resources have come together to begin building a network of resources which offer services for:

• Prevention —  Educate people in identifying those at risk.

• Intervention — Working with those experiencing crisis and potential harm.

• Post-vention — Provide support resources to those who have experienced a tragic event in their life.

The meeting will consist of a group presentation covering available resources, followed by an opportunity for those attending to gather literature and visit with representatives at their individual stations. Support resources include Whitefish City Fire and Police, mental health professionals, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish Chamber and City government, Whitefish School District, Frontier Hospice and religious organizations.

For more information, contact House at 862-8640 or e-mail housej@wfps.k12.mt.us .