Local Suicide Prevention Awareness Efforts

In response to the growing number of teen suicide deaths in the state over the last 3 years, there are several local efforts to bring about suicide prevention awareness in Howard County. The month of September is observed as suicide prevention awareness month.

Cheryl Byrd is hosting a Youth Mental Health First Aid workshop in Nashville on December 17 from 8-4:30 at the UA Cossatot Nashville campus. Registration is limited to 15 people with a fee of $10. Lunch will be provided. Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. This workshop is designed for adults.

Howard County Health Unit Administrator Donna Webb says there is also a nurse at Howard Memorial Hospital that provides training for EMS and first responders that face mental health challenges from the trauma that they see on a daily basis.

Harbor House and the Southwest Arkansas Prevention Taskforce will host the 2nd Community Leader Connection Summit in Hope at Hempstead Hall on November 19 from 8:30-4:15. Registration will open soon.

Several Safe Talk presentations were also given over the summer.

For more information on any of these programs, please contact Cheryl Byrd at 870-584-6011 or Cheryl.Byrd@arkansas.gov.