Your Life Matters. Part 7: Youth suicide awareness and prevention
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, August 23rd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — Welcome to Your Life Matters, a special project from the Elkhorn Media Group where we embark on a journey of compassion, understanding, and hope. In this space, we aim to shed light on a topic that often lingers in the shadows: suicide awareness. Here, we believe in the power of conversation to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a supportive community for those who need it most.
Each month, we’ll share personal stories of resilience, expert insights, and practical strategies to navigate the complexities of mental health. Our goal is to foster empathy, dispel myths, and provide a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling.
Garrett Christensen recently spoke with Jill Baker, Youth Suicide Prevention Planner with the Oregon Health Authority, along with Vanessa Hagget and Tori Andrews, principal and school counselor for Eagle Cap Innovative High School respectively. This week, they’re discussing local efforts by schools and communities to address youth mental health, along with recently published data concerning youth suicide trends in Oregon.
The full interview can be heard by clicking the audio link below:
More information on Sources of Strength can be found at: https://sourcesofstrength.org/
Resources from New Directions Northwest can be found at https://newdirectionsnw.org/
The data that was referenced during the interview can be found https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le8874_2023.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#page=26
Join us next month for another conversation with local experts. Join us next month when we speak with more local mental health experts and emergency responders as part of suicide awarness month. Our previous interview can be found at https://elkhornmediagroup.com/your-life-matters-part-6-youth-mental-health-challenges-and-local-resources/
Remember, You are not alone, reach out for help by calling the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Local resources also include New Directions Northwest in Baker County- 541-519-7126, and Center for Human Development in Union County – 541-962-8800, option 6.
