Idaho Awareness to Action Youth Suicide Prevention Project offers free training in Caldwell Jan. 26

Idaho State University’s Institute of Rural Health is accepting pre-registration for a free suicide prevention training in Caldwell on Jan. 26, 2012.

This 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 parents, professionals, community leaders, parents, advocates and all those who care for children and youth.

Training will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at the Department of Health and Welfare office, 3402 Franklin Road, Sawtooth Room, Caldwell. Continuing education credit is offered to social workers, nurses and licensed counselors who attend the entire six-hour training.  The course has also been approved for POST credit for those working in law enforcement.   Others who attend will receive certificates of completion.  Parents, grandparents and community advocates are encouraged to attend.

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 (208) 282-4436.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Idaho youth aged 15-34.  According to the American Association of Suicidology, Idaho’s suicide rate was 6th in the Nation in 2008. A total of 1,286 Idahoans have died by suicide in the last 5 years.

For more information, contact project director Ann Kirkwood at 208-282-4436 or 208-373-1767.