ISU Institute of Rural Health to offer suicide prevention training in Pocatello Oct. 11

Idaho State University's Institute of Rural Health is accepting pre-registration for a free suicide prevention training in Pocatello from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. 

 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.

This training will be held in the Wood River Room of the ISU Pond Student Union, 797 East Humbolt Street.

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 Kristi Beck at (208) 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 more deaths due to suicide, 251, in Idaho than any other year in recent history. That increased further in 2009 when 307 Idahoans died by suicide, according to the ISU Institute of Rural Health.

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