Suicide Prevention Hotline Research
Idaho is the only state in the nation without its own hotline. But work is under way to prepare for Idaho's hotline. An Idaho State University project will study, test and evaluate an Idaho hotline starting fall of 2009.
Did you know?
- Idaho consistently ranks in the top 10 states for its rate of suicide
- Idaho’s highest suicide rates are in rural and frontier counties where mental health services are limited
- In 2008 there were 248 suicides in Idaho
- Average cost per case of suicide is $1 million in lost productivity and $2596 in medical costs
- Idaho ranks 49th in the nation for public mental health spending per capita
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Idaho’s young people and the rate of suicide increases with age
- Suicide hotlines have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing suicidality and identifying options to increase help-seeking
History
Until early 2007, Idaho had a suicide prevention hotline that utilized local volunteer operators, with uncovered time rolling over to the National Suicide Lifeline. Since the closure of the Idaho hotline, the Lifeline has agreed, as a professional courtesy, to accept Idaho calls through the national Lifeline network. Lifeline operators are located out of state and are unable to make referrals to needed Idaho services. An Idaho hotline is needed to fill this critical need.
Purpose of Project
The Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline Project is a 1-year collaborative research project to research and prepare an operator training program and develop measureable procedures for operators to follow in handling and referring calls.
Projected Outcomes
The result will be a final report of ways a permanent hotline could be housed and funded.
For more information and volunteer opportunities, contact the Institute of Rural Health at 282-4436 or irh@isu.edu
If you are in crisis, or have concerns about a loved one, go to:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 1-800-273-TALK. Spanish operators available.
