Weekly Column: Suicide Prevention

One of the countless things I love about Idaho is that when there is a problem or someone is hurting, Idahoans come together to offer hope and a path forward. Over the past few years, community members in American Falls, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Rexburg, Rigby and St. Anthony have placed beautiful benches in public spaces to memorialize the lives of suicide victims and offer solace and reflection for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. The benches made of metal angel wings are intended to wrap around those who sit on them. Community Suicide Prevention has been instrumental in putting the benches in eastern and southeastern Idaho communities. Many other communities across Idaho have similar tributes and have been holding events throughout September in observance of National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month.

Idahoans have shared stories with me about the tragic loss of friends and loved ones to suicide. The enormous losses and impacts on Idaho families and communities are heartbreaking. My prayers continue to be with those who are struggling that they may know how deeply they are valued, and that needed help reaches them.

Ensuring everyone knows where to turn for help is among federal actions to prevent suicide. All Americans now have access to the 3-digit, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. People in crisis can call or text 988 to connect confidentially with life-saving resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare also provides many resources, including resources to assist Idahoans who have lost a loved one to suicide, at http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Families/SuicidePrevention/Resources/tabid/1920/Default.aspx.

The Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline (ICSH) is Idaho’s 988 call center. ICSH’s Impact Report for the first quarter of this year is reason for hope that resources are reaching some of those in crisis. ICSH explains, “responders assess for suicide and other safety risks, use proven de-escalation techniques to reduce distress, and collaborate on coping strategies and safety plans. They also offer local referrals and coordinate in-person crisis responses when needed.” ICSH reports that since 2012, ICSH has provided crisis intervention to more than 162,000 contacts from Idahoans, through calls, texts, chats and follow-up calls.

Two significant developments in crisis response are helping to meet local suicide prevention needs. Earlier this year, geo-routing for 988 calls went into effect, resulting in calls being directed to local crisis centers based on the caller’s physical location. Additionally, ICSH dispatches Mobile Response Teams throughout Idaho to help make certain Idahoans have access to in-person crisis support, now 24/7.

As I commend all those working tirelessly in Idaho and across our country to break down barriers to connect with those in crisis, work continues to raise awareness and advance support for suicide prevention. This effort includes my co-sponsorship of a resolution the Senate recently unanimously passed to designate November 16, 2025, as “National Warrior Call Day.” The resolution, also co-sponsored by fellow U.S. Senator for Idaho Jim Risch, is intended to encourage individuals to connect with veterans to combat isolation and loneliness among servicemembers, as veterans have been an important segment of our population who have experienced particularly high rates of suicide in recent years.

Over the past 50 years, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month has evolved from a week to a month-long recognition each September to raise awareness, support those impacted, reduce treatment stigmas and broaden access to prevention resources. Thank you to all those who are raising awareness about where to turn for help and reaching those who feel alone in these struggles.

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