Idaho Youth Suicide Prevention training scheduled Feb. 27-28 in Twin Falls

Better Todays, Better Tomorrows and the Idaho Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention Project will offer trainings to help identify at-risk youth on Feb. 27-28 at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

The one and one-half-day trainings sponsored by the Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 27 and from 8 a.m. to noon in the Taylor Administration Building, located at 315 Falls Ave.

The sessions are designed to train adult gatekeepers on the signs and symptoms of mental illness in children and youth, suicide risk assessment and intervention, the latest scientific information on childhood mental disorders and the impacts of trauma.  Gatekeepers include parents and families, professionals, school faculty and staff, and others who care for or about Idaho’s children.

Free Continuing Education Credit is offered to social workers, nurses and licensed counselors as well as certificates of completion are provided to those who attend the entire training. Parents, teachers, school counselors, leaders of community groups, foster parents and religious leaders are also encouraged to attend.

Many of the warning signs psychiatrists and psychologists have identified for depression, anxiety, trauma, other disorders and suicide risk factors are discussed in this program. Early and appropriate treatment for children can address Idaho’s high suicide rate among young people. Untreated, these illnesses can result in behavioral problems at school, difficulty learning, low self-esteem, poor school attendance and grades, impaired social development, difficulties with law enforcement and even death.

Pre-registration is required. To sign up or to receive additional information, contact Marsha Tracy at the Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health, (208) 373-1799 or e-mail todays@isu.edu.