History:
The Beltrami Area Suicide Prevention Program is the result of the realization that our community had an increasing issue with youth suicide. In November 2004, Healthy Community Healthy Kids (HCHK) commissioned a Community Needs Assessment funded by the Beltrami Area Service Collaborative (BASC). A task force was formed; with funds from BASC and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation the Suicide Prevention Program was formed in September 2005. HCHK, the home of the Suicide Prevention Program, dissolved in December of 2008. In January 2009, with transition funding from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Evergreen House Inc. became the new home of the Suicide Prevention Program. The program continues to operate with funds from the Minnesota Department of Health, BASC and the Neilson Foundation.
Suicide is a preventable public health problem. The Beltrami Area Suicide Prevention Program seeks to reduce known risk factors and promote known protective factors. With knowledge and awareness about risk factors and warning signs, community members can intervene and connect individuals with the help and support they need. By focusing on protective factors we can help prevent crisis before they develop.
Program Goals:
- Suicide prevention awareness programs in regional schools and colleges.
- Region-wide suicide awareness campaign to reduce stigma associated with mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention.
- Broad-based support for suicide prevention and cross-systems information sharing.
What we do:
- Provide free gatekeeper training, presentations, policy/protocol development assistance to schools and community organizations within Beltrami County.
- Provide resources, best practices recommendations, referral information and guidance on suicide prevention isuses and programming.
- Provide suicide loss survivor support and referral information and resources.
- Coordinate and facilitate local suicide prevention efforts and collaborations through the Headwaters Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
- Facilitate the 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention.
Are you a teen? Check out the link below!
If you are in crisis, please call:
- 911 or
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
- Local Crisis Line 1-800-422-0045 (Beltrami County)
- Native American Youth Hotline 1-877-209-1266