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SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION HISTORY |
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There were about 40 people from schools, government, mental health, social work, medicine, human services and the faith community that came to the forming meeting (October 6, 2005) of the Polk County Suicide Prevention Coalition. The first meeting identified the following four interests and concerns:
- A community-wide prevention strategy is needed
- There is no local comprehensive source of information or action related to suicide
- People want to know more about TeenScreen
- Community awareness needs to be raised
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At the second meeting (November 3, 2006), the Coalition identified some of the specific needs our organizations would like to see addressed with respect to suicide prevention. They include:
- Community resources and providers
- Information for schools
- Reaching Latino populations
- Public awareness/education
- Helping parents and peers identify risks
- Being part of statewide strategy and capacity building
- Shortage of psychiatrists statewide
- Opening the topic of suicide up to discussion--de-mystifying and de-stigmatizing
- Mental health parity
- Teaching of coping strategies
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As of July, 2006, the Polk County Suicide Prevention Coalition has 113 members and work groups focused on:
- Community Awareness-Raising Walk
- Social Marketing
- School needs and resources
- Crisis Response
- Publications/Resources/Public Service Announcements
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For more information, or to become a member, contact Chris Frantsvog at (515) 286-3430.
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