If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide:
Take action, get help, and know you are not alone.
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - It is a confidential, private, free call.
The Issue:
Montana frequently ranks at or near the highest in the nation in occurrences of suicide. As any school administrator or parent in Montana knows, our young people are particularly at risk when we consider access to care, related risk taking behavior such as binge drinking, access to weapons, and high rates of depression.
Suicide statistics for Native Americans are far more acute and often underreported. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have the highest rates of suicide in the United States: 1.5 times higher than the average US population.
Given these dramatic statistics, the Montana Safe Schools Center (MSSC) aims to create a comprehensive community systems of care in order to reduce suicide by implementing extensive, research-based and culturally-appropriate interventions.
What We Offer:
We offer trainings that reduce risk factors and improve protective factors to schools, mental and public health agencies, and community groups. Some are specific to suicide prevention but others help to establish systems that promote resiliency and safe supportive environments for youth, thus reducing factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and actions.
Research and additional information for schools:
For more information or to schedule a training, please contact:
Amy Foster Wolferman
amy.fosterwolferman@mso.umt.edu
406-243-5417
Marilyn J. Bruguier Zimmerman
marilyn.zimmerman@mso.umt.edu
406-243-2644