The Lewis & Clark Suicide Prevention Coalition is made up a variety of stakeholders who aim to coordinate suicide prevention activities across the community, including:

Safer Communities Montana is a new project that is expected to roll out in March. The program works with firearm dealers, pharmacists and gun range operators to find ways to temporarily limit access to lethal means by people who are at-risk of making a suicide attempt. Lethal means are any instrument or object (e.g., medicines, firearms, bridges) used to carry out a self-destructive act. It will also provide education, information for the community and more. 

Community education on mental health and suicide prevention programs via a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Increasing supports for service members, veterans and their families through the Mayor’s Challenge.

Improving mental health referrals via Montana 211 and the CONNECT Referral system.

The Coalition features representatives from Lewis and Clark Public Health, County officials,  St. Peter’s Health, NAMI Helena, Center for Mental Health, PureView Health Center, local schools districts, the Office of Public Instruction, the Montana VA Health Care System, Volunteers of America,  Montana Army National Guard, Montana Joining Community Forces, Addictive and Mental Disorders — Montana DPHHS, Helena College, Carroll College, Military OneSource, Shodair Children’s Hospital, United Way of the Greater Helena Area, American Legion Post 2, the East Helena Suicide Prevention & Awareness Coalition, the Greater Helena Youth Mental Health Coalition and the Local Advisory on Mental Health, among many others.

The coalition meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Want to join us? Email jhegstrom@lccountymt.gov for the meeting link.