In 2018-2020, Montana had nearly double the national rate of deaths by suicide and the Yellowstone County rate of 26 deaths per 100,000 people was slightly higher than the state average.
The Yellowstone County Community Health Needs Assessment published in January 2023 reported that nearly one-fourth (24.1%) of adults surveyed have considered suicide. When the first local health needs assessment was compiled in 2005, only 8% of those surveyed reported having considered suicide.
Firearms account for more than 60% of all suicides in Montana. Request a gun lock for secure storage of firearms: 406.247.3305 ● spcoalitionyv@gmail.com
RiverStone Health collaborates with the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley to promote suicide awareness and prevention efforts in Yellowstone County and the surrounding areas.
The Suicide Prevention Coalition provides culturally sensitive education and public awareness. The Coalition meets at RiverStone Health from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a suicide prevention training for people to be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide and refer people at risk for suicide for help.
Just like CPR, QPR is an evidence-based emergency response to someone in crisis that can save lives.
Schedule a QPR training:
406.247.3305 ● spcoalitionyv@gmail.com
Yellowstone County’s Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (L.O.S.S.) is part of a national effort to support individuals who have recently lost a loved one to suicide.
The support, resources and opportunities provided by your local L.O.S.S. Team can help safely guide your journey of grief and healing.
Several resources exist for people who have lost a loved one to suicide:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Alliance of Hope
RiverStone Health Grief Support
Local resources
L.O.S.S. team volunteers reach out about peer support via phone asking about support needs and communications preferences. Follow up support is provided according to the survivor’s wishes and individualized needs.
You can opt out of this service at anytime.
Peer Support
L.O.S.S. Team members are volunteers who have lost a loved one to suicide themselves and who can help you navigate this difficult
time.
Caring Contacts
Regularly scheduled calls and mailed messages to provide consistent check-ins and encouragement.
Mental Health Counseling
Family members are eligible for up to three free counseling sessions from licensed counselors who specialize in grief support to help you in your healing journey. Contact us to learn about counseling vouchers.
Volunteers having personal experience with suicide loss will provide support, resources and opportunities for people during their grief and healing process.
Outreach includes in-person visits, regularly scheduled calls and mailed messages to provide consistent check-ins and encouragement.
