09/26/2017 by Sarah Pena
This Saturday, September 30th North Country HealthCare will join with many other local organizations to raise awareness for suicide prevention in northern Arizona. North Country is just one of several corporate sponsors for Flagstaff’s Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Arizona chapter. The event will be held at Buffalo Park from 9am to noon. This year’s event is the first of its kind in Flagstaff, and with the outpouring of community support, it will likely become an annual event. Click here for more event information.
North Country HealthCare is actively engaged in the fight to prevent suicide. Earlier this year, North Country HealthCare was awarded a $10,000 grant from Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) to aid in the fight against suicide among Native American youth for the next three years. Part of these funds will be used to train North Country staff on recognizing signs of suicide risk, and how to provide appropriate intervention, treatment and follow-up.
Bennett Edgerly, Ph.D., LPC, is a behavioral health consultant coordinator at North Country’s Flagstaff 4th Street location and a board member with the Flagstaff affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Through his leadership role with NAMI, Dr. Edgerly raises awareness of suicide prevention through various NAMI events including an upcoming Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament designed to raise awareness of veteran suicides.
Suicide is a national public health crisis. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the US, accounting for almost 45,000 people a year. For adolescents and young adults it is one of the top three causes of death, and is especially concerning for those using alcohol or illicit drugs, veterans, Native American youth, and those who live in rural settings and own firearms. The good news is that you can be a resource to prevent suicide by asking people if they have thoughts of suicide, even if you do it clumsily, you’re doing your best to help curb this issue. You can tell people to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you or someone you know is struggling, ask to speak with a behavioral health consultant at your next visit to North Country HealthCare.
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North Country HealthCare has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in 11 northern Arizona communities.
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