As a Volunteer Field Advocate and Suicide Prevention Public Policy Ambassador for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a part of my volunteer responsibilities include prevention education, advocacy and support for those affected by suicide.
Suicide is a national public health crisis and as the nation’s 12th leading cause of death and the 2nd leading cause of death for young people ages 10-34 in Oregon, effecting Native American and Alaska Native people at a rate three times higher.
This year in Oregon, Volunteer Field Advocates and Ambassadors are asking legislators to support Suicide Risk Assessment Continuing Education for Healthcare Providers (SB 818) to include the development of a published list of continuing education opportunities for healthcare providers. These opportunities for healthcare providers to earn continuing education credits while increasing their knowledge and proficiency for assessing suicide risk, screening, referrals and safety planning is a critical step in the right direction. Similarly, supporting SB 514 – “Support Adult Suicide Prevention” would establish an Adult Suicide Prevention Coordinator within the Oregon Health Authority to maintain, update and facilitate the implementation of a statewide strategic plan to address adult suicide & establish an Adult Suicide Prevention Task Committee.
Locally, there is a community group of QPR Gatekeepers who are trained to identify people at risk of suicide to support and refer to supporting services as needed (see list below) as well as a list of local community resources.
