Institute of Rural Health Awarded $988,944 to Continue Tackling Mental Health Intervention and Prevention

The Institute of Rural Health (IRH) has received a $988,944 grant from AmeriCorps to expand the impact of the Gem State Public Health AmeriCorps program across Idaho. 

This funding will enable the Institute of Rural Health to continue expanding the capacity of public health agencies and to increase access to suicide prevention and intervention training throughout Idaho. AmeriCorps members will become certified in suicide intervention through Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). In turn, they will help strengthen community prevention efforts by delivering suicide awareness and prevention programs, including safeTALK and Sources of Strength (SOS), to youth across Idaho communities.

Since the program's launch four years ago, 854 community members, including 113 AmeriCorps members, have earned ASIST certification through 55 trainings conducted across 20 Idaho counties. An additional 44 community members, including 21 AmeriCorps members, have become certified in QPR. The program has also certified community members as safeTALK trainers, creating local capacity to continue providing suicide prevention education and expanding the reach of these life-saving trainings. Many of the partnered organizations have stated they would like to bring the Gem AmeriCorps member on as staff after their contract is over, other members have been given different career opportunities in various public health organizations after completing their AmeriCorps term of service.

The program currently partners with 17 nonprofits, organizations, and ISU health profession programs throughout Idaho, most of which have requested to continue the partnership into the next grant year. 

The Institute of Rural Health is currently recruiting AmeriCorps Volunteers for service opportunities throughout Idaho. Individuals interested in making a difference while gaining valuable professional experience are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the Gem State Public Health AmeriCorps program, visit our website or contact Callie Dance, Lead Project Coordinator, or Jana Bodily-Roan, Project Director, at the  IRH at 208-282-4436 or gemstate@isu.edu.