Idaho Awareness to Action Youth Suicide Prevention Project offers free training in Nampa Jan. 12

Idaho State University’s Institute of Rural Health is accepting pre-registration for free suicide prevention training in Nampa in January.

The training is designed to provide the latest scientific information on the warning signs, risk and protective factors for suicide and mental illness, along with practical guidance on how to identify youth at risk for suicide.  Information will assist professionals, community leaders, parents, advocates and those who care for children and youth.

This training is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan.12, 2011, at the Hispanic Cultural Center, 315 Stampede Drive, in Nampa.

Continuing education credit is offered to social workers, nurses and licensed counselors who attend the entire six hour training.  Others who attend will receive certificates of completion.

This training is free and open to the community, but seating is limited.  Pre-registration is required.  To register online, go to http://isu.edu/irh/. Email pre-registration to preventsuicide@isu.edu or phone Kirsti Beck at (209) 282-4436.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Idaho youth aged 15-34.  According to the Suicide Prevention Action Network in Idaho, in 2007,  Idaho had the 11th highest suicide rate in the nation, 28 percent higher than the national average. In 2008, there were 251 deaths due to suicide in Idaho, reported the Division of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. In 2009, the number increased to 307.