The Montana Foundation for Suicide Prevention is working to educate Montanans about suicide, how to help prevent it, and offering resources to those affected. Personally, I have found even a few tidbits of info here and there to be helpful in responding to someone who says they are thinking of hurting themselves, or showing signs of being suicidal. As you likely know, Montana consistently ranks as a state with some of the highest suicide rates, according to the CDC, we are currently at a close #3 behind Wyoming and Alaska.

So how can you help? What are you supposed to say when somebody says they would rather be dead and things get super awkward? And how do you help friends and family who have lost somebody to suicide? The 2021 Montana Conference on Suicide Prevention hopes to help you answer these questions and so many more. Organizers believe in the cause so much, that this will be their 9th year offering the conference for free. Here's the other amazing part, it's completely online so you don't have to drive to Helena or someplace. Though it's free and open to the public, registration is required. 

This year's all-day conference is happening on Friday, July 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is hosted by the Montana chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. The conference is geared toward advocates, psychiatrists and other physicians, psychologists, therapists, nurses, physician's assistants and every & any Montana citizens interested in preventing suicide. This conference brings together advocates and professionals in learning about suicide prevention strategies in the state and across the nation and equips attendees with strategies in preventing suicide.

Find more info and register here.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-8255

or text "MT" TO 741-741

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