SUICIDE: Its a heavy burden

During the first seven months of 2017, Kootenai County lost 22 people to suicide. I know this because as a member of North Idaho’s Suicide Prevention Action Network (commonly known as SPAN), I receive monthly data from the County Coroner’s office.

SPAN works to reduce the number of suicides in our community. We analyze our efforts, measure our outreach and create action plans. It can feel more productive for me to make calculated plans, but find myself shaken to my core when I hear stories of heartbroken families facing the reality of a lost life instead of data from a report. For survivors, there’s no solace in numbers higher than zero.

If you’re still reading, you and I likely have something in common. A goal to achieve zero suicides and increase awareness of local resources. I would like to encourage you to come alongside me with your friends, family, and neighbors at SPAN’s 9th Annual Break the Silence 5K Walk on Saturday, Sept. 9. It’s an opportunity to show region-wide commitment to reducing the burden of suicide in North Idaho.

They say that many hands make light work. I am not sure if the work to prevent suicide will ever be easy, but I am confident that with a united community that shares its time, empathy and knowledge with each other, we can save lives.

LORA WHALEN

North Idaho SPAN, Chair