Continuous News

Suicide prevention in Montana

Posted: Nov 17, 2012 4:07 PM by KXLF Media Center
Updated: Nov 17, 2012 4:22 PM

Deer Lodge County ranks highest in the state of Montana for the number of suicide deaths this year, according to Janel Pliley, chair of the Pintler Suicide Awareness Prevention Group.

"We've been number one or number two for the last I'd say five years," Pliley said. "Montana is fifth in the nation, so we're up there."

In Anaconda on Saturday morning the Pintler Suicide Awareness and Prevention Group held their annual suicide survivors day event. No one attended. Members of the group said they have never had a strong response from the community.

There is a stigma in Anaconda, especially with those who have lost someone to suicide, according to Pliley. Studies have shown that once you have lost a loved one to suicide your statistics for being a person to complete suicide increase. Pliley said they want to provide an outlet for people who have experienced suicide in their lives.

"It takes a community to get through this and it takes a community to make a change to make things better," Pliley said.

The Pintler Suicide Awareness Prevention Group will have monthly meetings, the first Tuesday of every month. The meetings will start at 8:30p.m. at the Hearthstone Apartments in Anaconda. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The group is also hosting a Holiday Bereavement Support Group, to help people get through the holidays without their loved ones. The first meeting will be Monday at the Anaconda Community Hospital.

For information call 563-3448 or send an e-mail to psapmontana@hotmail.com.