September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Idaho’s suicide rate is among the highest in the nation, and Kootenai County’s is among the highest in our state. That is why I am urging you to attend the Suicide Prevention Awareness Network’s (SPAN) Break the Silence 5-K Walk on Saturday, September 10th. This public visibility campaign takes place at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene. Come early for pre-registration or register online. The walk starts at 10 am and follows the Riverstone Park trail. This is a free public event. However, there will be T-shirts for sale to benefit SPAN of North Idaho. In addition, there will be providers offering suicide prevention info and support services.
Guns Contribute Disproportionately to Suicide Deaths
When a mass shooting occurs, it is headline news. Yet suicide deaths are far more frequent, though rarely noted. To make matters worse, U.S. deaths by suicide have increased by an astonishing 33% since 1999. What is more notable is the number of self-inflicted deaths committed with guns. PolitiFact reports that in 2017, the U.S. recorded 38,882 deaths by firearms. Of those, sixty-two percent were suicides.
To stem gun related suicides, doctors and researchers recommend a “red flag” law. The proposed law would help prevent people with clinically proven suicidal tendencies from buying guns. This could include anyone suffering from depression, dementia, or other mental health issues. Yet, despite the potential benefits, gun-rights advocates like Congressman Russ Fulcher instinctively resist such laws.
To circumvent this resistance the proposed law allows voluntary firearm purchase restrictions. The law is called the Preventing Suicide Through Voluntary Firearm Purchase Delay Act. This legislation enables suicidal people to voluntarily place themselves on a no buy list. The intention is to prevent impulsive gun purchases. This bipartisan legislation emulates state laws already enacted in Utah, Virginia, and Washington State.
Please urge Congressman Fulcher to support this bill. Send an email or call his office at (202) 225-6611 DC, or (208) 332-1340 (BOISE).
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know or love is contemplating suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
September Marks the Kickoff of Our General Election Campaign
If you are reading this message, please get involved. Every hour that we devote to grass roots political action contributes to our efforts to stave off extremism. Start now.
Phone Banking – Each Wednesday evening will be committed to phone banking potential Democratic Voters in Kootenai County. By giving just 2 hours per week, you help us to elect a Democrat.
Neighborhood Canvassing – Each Saturday afternoon will be devoted to targeted door-knocking to meet and identify potential Dem voters. This form of voter ID is the most effective way to turn out the vote.
To sign up for Phone Banking or Neighborhood Canvassing, please contact Donovan. You can call or text him at 248-925-6620.
Please Join Us at these September Events
2022 Democracy Dinner Gala
Join us Friday, September 23rd, 2022, at the Coeur d’Alene Resort for our 2022 Democracy Dinner Gala. This annual celebration offers you a chance to meet and mingle with fellow Dems including our state and local candidates. The night also features a keynote address from Idaho’s District 19 Representative Chris Mathias. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
Democracy, Extremism, and the Dobbs Decision Symposium
The D.E.D.D. Symposium takes place at Templin’s Resort in Post Falls on Saturday, September 24 from 11 am to 2:30 pm.
Annual Human Rights Banquet
The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations is holding its Annual Human Rights Banquet on Saturday, September 24 at the CDA Inn Best Western in Coeur d’Alene.
Have an excellent week, enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and thanks for being a Democrat.
