September was Suicide Prevention Awareness Month when we typically turn out to support the Suicide Prevention and Action Network (SPAN) of North Idaho during their Break the Silence Walk. November 20th is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This is a day in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.
Given our ongoing relationship with SPAN and the current focus on this subject, we feel that it is appropriate to take a closer look at this important topic. Therefore, speaking at the Democratic Club this Friday is Cathy Kraus. Cathy is our Community Outreach Coordinator. She has been instrumental in building our ongoing partnership with SPAN of North Idaho and our sponsorship of their annual visibility campaign.
Unfortunately, the annual walk was virtual this year because of public health concerns regarding COVID-19. In past years, we looked forward to this public event for it creates an opportunity for Democrats to show support for this vital program. In addition, it helps us raise our visibility in the community. We hope we can resume this annual tradition next year.
Again, we regret missing the chance to participate in public this year. However, it doesn’t dampen our deep commitment to this cause. The fact is that suicide has no political preferences. In other words, it can and does affect us all.
Join Cathy this Friday, November 5 at 12PM online to learn more about suicide prevention including ways to assess and help those at risk.
About Our Meetings
The Democratic Club meets each Friday at noon online. A Zoom link for our club meeting is distributed on the Thursday prior to the meeting date. To request the link or assistance getting connected, contact Phil at pjwmia@aol.com. We will return to in person/online meetings as soon as it becomes safe to do so. You can find videos of past Club meetings at KootenaiCountyDemClub.com/Meeting Videos.
Crisis Resources
- Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in an emergency.
- Call 1-800-273 TALK (8255), if you would like to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor. You can also text NAMI to 741-741.
