Suicide Prevention Resources
CentraCare is committed to breaking down stigma around mental health and suicide.
Join us in continuing this conversation in our communities by hosting a Suicide Prevention training at your workplace, your community organization, your faith community, your school, or with any group of people who are interested in helping to #BreaktheStigma. For more information about scheduling a Suicide Prevention training please contact: Suicide Prevention Program Manager Lisa Bershok, MSW, LICSW, at 320-251-2700, ext. 23793.
Suicide Prevention Educator for Outreach, St. Cloud VAMC Requests Help to Reach into Churches
I have been tasked with reaching outside the VA walls, to provide suicide prevention education. The information I provide, can be applicable to both Veterans and non- Veterans. I would like to come and do a 10 minute presentation on the basics of suicide prevention education; Learn the Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage, expedite access to professional care (S.A.V.E. ) or Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR), during church services.
You don’t need to be a mental health provider, to help a person thinking about suicide. I would appreciate the chance to come and educate others, on how to start the conversation about a very difficult topic. We need to end the stigma of mental health.
Laura Kunstleben, BSN, MS in Gerontology, Suicide Prevention Educator-Outreach, St. Cloud VAMC, 320-252-1670, ext. 6975, Laura.kunstleben@va.gov
New Statistics
Recent news from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that suicide in Minnesota has risen 6 percent. To learn more and to see which group has had the largest increase, view the news story below.
Suicide Deaths Increase 6 Percent in Minnesota. MPRNews, Sept. 7, 2016
Local Support Group Information
Healing Hearts of Suicide Survivors Support Group
Meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Diocese of St. Cloud - Pastoral Center, 305 7th Ave N
For more information, contact Roxann at
320-248-1563
Download additional group information (PDF)
Suicide Survivors Support Group
Second Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 1000 Red River Ave N, Cold Spring
Led by Janelle Schenstad-Hodgins and Ellen Ellickson
For more information, contact Ellen at
320-685-7656
Healing Hearts Suicide Survivors Support Group
Third Tuesday of each month, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Church of St. Mary's, 211 South 5th Ave. E, Melrose
For more information, contact Deacon Earnie at
320-256-4207
Download additional group information (PDF)
More Info
Community Suicide Awareness Education Group
The mission of CSAEG is to increase suicide awareness, prevention and education.
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/CSAEG.Suicide/
Phone:
320-429-5363
E-mail:
csaeg.suicide@gmail.com
QPR is a suicide prevention training program that stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. You will learn three simple steps that can help save a life of a family, friend or community member from suicide.
People considering suicide often feel isolated and alone and may feel that no one can help them or understand their pain.
Recognizing the warning sign of suicide and learning the skills to help save a life is something that everyone can learn. Just as people trained in CPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.
View the Community QPR Training brochure (PDF)
Suicide Gatekeeper Training
Suicide Gatekeeper Training is available statewide. Call Mary Jo Pine at the St. Cloud Veteran’s Administration at 320-252-1670, ext. 6719.
SuicideSafe: A mobile app that saves lives: Carry this great resource with you at all times on your phone. Have you ever been in a situation where you fear someone may be considering suicide? This link has valuable resources and ways to help immediately.
Central Minnesota Mental Health Crisis Services
TXT4Life is a suicide prevention resource available in many counties in Minnesota. The TXT4Life program uses texting as a way for those in crisis or contemplating suicide to anonymously reach out and ask for free and confidential help. When individuals text the word “LIFE” to 61222, they are connected with a trained counselor who can help them by listening, providing tools and resources, and helping them get to a safe place, both emotionally and physically.
