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National expert to speak on suicide prevention

The Daily Inter Lake - 9/24/2021

Sep. 24—A licensed psychologist and national expert on youth suicide, self-injury, bullying, school crisis and prevention/intervention will speak at a gathering Monday in Kalispell as the community continues to deal with the pain and loss of several students who have died by suicide.

Scott Poland, director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, said "everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention."

His presentation, "Suicide Prevention is Everyone's Responsibility: Helping Our Youth in Challenging Times," will educate attendees on identifying at-risk behaviors, strategies and tips to build resilience in youth. It begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Canvas Church, 255 Summit Ridge Dr., Kalispell.

"Kalispell is not alone in having a problem with youth suicide. Suicide is not just a Montana problem, or a Kalispell problem. It is a national problem," he said.

Poland, who co-authored Montana's "Crisis Action School Toolkit on Suicide," has previously assisted other school communities responding to suicide clusters and other tragedies like school shootings.

"At the simplest level, we need to talk about suicide more — what to look for, what to do and not be afraid of this topic when someone brings it up," Poland said. "It allows someone to unburden themselves and find help is available."

Children and adolescents live in a fast-paced world where many have experienced traumatic events and where information travels quickly through social media, according to Poland.

"All adults, and especially parents, play a critical role in safeguarding children while also building resiliency in them for the inevitable times that they will be challenged," he said.

The community collaboration doesn't stop at parents and school staff; it also encompasses civic leaders, agencies, medical and mental-health providers, law enforcement, clergy and survivor groups, he said.

"We've got to get the broader community involved," he said. "Schools can't provide the treatment for suicidal young people. Their role is to detect suicidal young people, notify their parents and recommend community-based services."

POLAND, WHO has testified before the United States Congress on the mental-health needs of children, said, the literature on youth suicide is linked largely to untreated, or undertreated mental illness.

"Therefore we need to increase the mental-health services to young people. Not just in the school, or mental-health community, but medical providers also play an important role," he said.

Peers also play an important role in getting a trusted adult involved if a friend or classmate is talking about suicide, or having suicidal thoughts.

"Sadly, not every suicide can be prevented, but the majority can be. It's something that really requires a village," Poland said. "I'm a survivor of my father's suicide. We're not going to give up. We don't want this to happen to someone else's loved one."

In addition to the presentation, Poland will lead training and workshops for middle and high school staff and medical providers. The events are being organized by Kalispell Public Schools in coordination with the Nate Chute Foundation.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.

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