Suicide has long been a public health issue in Missoula and Montana. Despite the challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborative partners throughout the county are taking a collective approach to preventing suicide. Strategies include innovative approaches to mental health crises, and increasing the protective factors that come from human relationships and social connectedness. Even when we recognize those who struggle, few of us feel equipped to know what to say and do to help. At City Club Missoula on November 8, a panel of local leaders in suicide prevention and mental health will discuss current suicide-prevention approaches and the steps and strategies everyone can take to be part of a needed public-health change in our community.
Panelists:
Rosie Ayers, coordinator of Project Tomorrow Montana, Missoula’s countywide suicide-prevention collaboration
Dr. Ann Douglas, director of the Montana Native Connections program for All Nations Health Center
Terry Kendrick, director of the Strategic Alliance for Behavioral Health and Program Manager at Partnership Health Center for the Mobile Support Team
Anton Johnson, outreach specialist for the Veterans Administration, US Army veteran
Moderator:
Maritsa Georgiou, national correspondent for the online news service Newsy