In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Methamphetamine Advisory Task Force, a local nonprofit dedicated to reducing substance abuse in Yavapai County, is hosting two events to train community members on how to help someone contemplating suicide.
September has been deemed National Suicide Prevention Month, during which time the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and other mental health organizations raise awareness of suicide prevention across the U.S. MATForce, which primarily focuses on preventing drug abuse in youth and educating the public on the dangers of substance use, decided to participate in the month-long campaign because of the closely linked relationship between drug and alcohol use and suicidal thoughts or actions.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, studies show that those who are dependent on substances are often at higher risk of suicide, especially among youth and younger adults.
Nikki Rosson, assistant director of MATForce, said the organization is looking forward to doing its part to help prevent suicide in the Verde Valley.
“Having an entire month dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention allows us to give light to one of the dark places in our communities,” she said.
MATForce will be offering two free events for the public to learn how to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide.
The first is called “safeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone.” The four-hour class, held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MATForce Camp Verde office on Sept. 17, will help participants gain confidence in taking four basic steps to creating a “life-saving connection” with someone contemplating suicide. Through the class, attendees will learn how to ask people about suicide directly, connect them with proper resources and keep them safe until said resource takes over.
The second event, held at the Camp Verde office on Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is an eight-hour more in-depth training session that aims to teach participants how to connect and interact with someone in crisis, recognize common signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use, and how to listen without judgment.
Rosson, who will be leading both classes, said because suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, it’s important for people to be prepared to both identify and assist someone contemplating taking their own life.
“Together, as a community, we can save lives by being aware of the risk of suicide in any situation and openly talking about it without shame or judgment,” she said. “Most people with thoughts of suicide want help to stay alive, and they often find ways to reach out indirectly. There is an opportunity for healing in being able to voice your story without feeling judged. Getting people to openly talk about suicide is the first step in creating that judgment-free space to listen and establish a keep safe connection.”
Both events will take place at MATForce’s Camp Verde Office located at 600S. First St. Registration is required for the free events.
For more information or to register for a class, visit matforce.org, email info@matforceaz.org or call 708-0100.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
