Communities
Preventing suicide is everyone’s business in a community. Through ND HOPES, we are taking a multi-tiered approach to suicide prevention that starts at the community level. Working together with our partners, we are implementing the following community-based approaches:
Reducing access to lethal means by working with gun shops to promote safe storage of firearms through education and training
1
2
Improving the ability of community members to identify and support people at risk by providing education and training on warning signs, effective communication, and how to connect individuals to care
Promoting connectedness and help-seeking for students and school communities through the Sources of Strength program
3
Community connectedness is a crucial element of suicide prevention. We believe that every community member has a role to play in preventing suicide.
Certain populations in our communities are disproportionately affected by suicide for several reasons. Through ND HOPES, we are providing specific programs, services, and resources for rural residents, Veterans, and LGBTQIA2S+ youth, three populations with higher rates of suicide in Western North Dakota. Please visit the Populations page to learn more.
If you are interested in becoming involved in local activities, consider joining the North Dakota Suicide Prevention Coalition or volunteering for the North Dakota chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to learn about how you can support your fellow North Dakotans through advocacy, collaboration, and education.
To learn more about recommended programs, policies, and practices for community-level suicide prevention, check out the CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action.
If you’re interested in learning more about suicide prevention in your community, reach out to info@ndhopes.com to learn more about current trainings, events, and more.
Resource Spotlight
CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action (Prevention Resource)