Mental Health Partners Reaches Goal in “Be 1 of 4098” Suicide Prevention Campaign
Pledges “1,000 More” and unveils updated youth-focused training
Mental Health Partners (MHP) has reached its goal in their “Be 1 of 4098” suicide prevention campaign. This campaign, launched in the fall of 2018, set the goal of training 4,098 people, which equals 6 people for every 1 person who died by suicide between 2006-2016 in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. The hope of the campaign was to create a community of support around those who experience suicidal ideation, prevent future suicides by educating individuals on how to recognize when someone is reaching out for help, and how to effectively respond.
“Our expert trainers have been honored to be invited into lives of so many people to deliver the message of suicide prevention and share easy-to-understand, and relatable, suicide prevention training, resources and tips,” said Kevin Braney, Director of Professional Training and Development at MHP.
MHP reached this goal by offering a mixture of free or low-cost suicide prevention trainings to community members, as well as conducting custom trainings on-site or virtually to local, regional, and even international companies, schools, community groups, legislator offices, and more. Over the past two years, notable trainings include Out Boulder County, the SugarLoaf Fire Department, City and County of Broomfield employees and Boulder County employees. This hybrid approach made MHP’s suite of suicide prevention trainings convenient, accessible, and ensured communities across demographics, socio-economic backgrounds and lifestyles are empowered to implement suicide prevention strategies amongst their family, friends, and fellow employees or students.
MHP is deeply grateful to the many community members and staff who supported the campaign by spreading the word, attending, or referring others to the trainings, as well as donating to their annual Boulder Skyline Traverse Challenge and 2019 Community Breakfast – two fundraisers where all dollars raised support this effort. As of January 1, 2021, gifts for the Be 1 of 4098 Suicide Prevention Education campaign topped $95,000! MHP is especially thankful to former MHP Interim CEO, Hans Wiik, whose commitment to the important cause of suicide prevention led to the vision and implementation of this campaign.
While this is an important milestone, there is still more to do in ensuring a suicide-safer community. Federal surveys show that 75% of youth are now struggling with anxiety, depressive disorders, or elevated levels of stress, which has been linked to increased suicidal ideation.
To meet this need, MHP is continuing the important work of the ‘Be 1 of 4098’ campaign by launching phase two of the campaign – ‘1,000 more!’ Additionally, staring in May 2021, an updated Youth Mental Health First Aid training (created in collaboration with NAMI and RISE Against Suicide) will be available. This training will now be offered in a virtual format with blended self-paced online and virtual “live” learning.
To learn more about and register for available trainings, as well as stay updated on our goals and progress for the “1,000 More” phase, please visit www.mhpcolorado.org/training or follow MHP on social media: FB @MentalHealthPartnersCO | Twitter: @MentalHealthCO | IG: @mentalhealthpartnersco.