'What a road it has been' Local woman honored for promoting suicide awareness

HAYDEN — Karen Petit has turned tragedy into triumph.

The Hayden woman, who lost her brother, Donnie, to suicide 17 years ago, has been honored by the Region 1 Behavioral Health Board with the Regional Empowerment Award for her role in suicide awareness and support for loved ones.

"What a road it has been," Petit said. "I felt like I needed to get involved after my brother's death. I am honored to receive the award. Suicide is a tough subject, but one of the good things that has come along is my volunteering for suicide prevention."

When Petit looked for a suicide support group after her brother's death, she couldn't find one. So she started one herself.

"It's not a job, it is a passion for her to help prevent suicide," said Joy Fryman, a board member who nominated Petit. "She gives hope, compassion and understanding to families after the loss of a loved one."

Holly Bonwell, Behavioral Health program manager who also nominated Petit, called her "selfless, kind and a real asset to our community."

"She has always given of herself to suicide prevention without being asked in a paid position," Bonwell said.

Petit said her family was devastated by the loss of Donnie, who graduated from the University of Oregon and was a vice president for the Solomon Smith Barney financial group.

"He was a wonderful person, one of my favorite people," she said. "Suicide is not always preventable, but oftentimes it is if someone just reaches out. I believe he's one we could've saved."

Petit said organizing the support group helped support her.

"Because of the nature of suicide, many people don't understand it and sometimes unkind things are said. But the people who are suffering the loss of a loved one are just suffering," she said.

Petit is also a committee member of the Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho.

Its volunteers hand out free gun locks at gun shows, provide education on resources available and offer free training on the signs of someone who may be thinking of harming themselves. Petit also helps organize an awareness walk to remember those lost.

In 2016, Idaho lost 350 people to suicide, according to the state Department of Health and Welfare. The Gem State continually ranks among the top 10 states for the highest number of suicides per capita.