Crisis resource available in Shoshone County

A new resource aims to join the fight against suicide in Shoshone County.  

Benchmark Human Services, through a collaboration with the National Suicide Hotline, will be providing free crisis services and counseling to anyone.

Benchmark Human Service is a community service company that operates in 18 states throughout the nation. It helps people navigate intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, employment, crisis response, recovery, children’s services and day services. 

Tess Reasor, a mobile crisis responder with BHS, said they are connected to the National Suicide Hotline.

"We go out to the individual in crisis when the 988 crisis counselors are unable to deescalate over the phone,” Reasor said. 

She said they provide community resources, create a safety plan with referrals and a 24-hour follow-up. If there is a need for a higher level of care, they work with law enforcement and hospitals to get the individual the care they need.

The service will be available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., but in July they plan to expand their service to 24 hours.  

BHS has two offices in Idaho, in Boise and Coeur d’Alene. The Coeur d’Alene office has six crisis responders and is hiring more. 

According to the recent data, Idaho has the sixth-highest suicide rate in the country, with Shoshone County ranking in the top five for suicide rate in Idaho. 

The collaboration between BHS and the National Suicide Hotline prevents people from having to call a separate number if they’re experiencing a mental health crisis.  

“The person experiencing the crisis or a third party can call 988 and talk to the counselor over the phone,” Reasor said.