Idaho Awareness to Action Youth Suicide Prevention Project offers third free training in Meridian May 15

Registration is now being accepted for Idaho State University’s Institute of Rural Health youth suicide prevention training Tuesday, May 15, at the Joint School District No. 2 Service Center, Salmon River Room, 1303 E. Central Drive, in Meridian.

The training is free and open to the public, but seats are limited and you must pre-register. Go to www.isu.edu/irh/, contact Kirsti Beck at 208-282-4436 or email preventsuicide@isu.edu.

The training, which runs from 9a.m. to 4 p.m., 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 and young adults at risk for suicide.  Information will assist professionals, community leaders, parents, advocates and all those who care for children and youth.

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

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 ranked fourth in the nation in 2009.

The project is funded through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act and administered by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.