MARQUETTE — While few people have the proper training to identify someone who is at risk for a suicide attempt, a renewed discussion of these issues has led to an increase in funds around the state to help to facilitate education and training so people can help to save lives.

One example of this can be found locally with the Marquette County Health Department, which has been awarded funding from the state of Michigan for suicide prevention efforts.

The funding will go to support activities and initiatives which are geared toward 18-24 year olds who aren’t students at a four-year university.

This is a key age group, as Marquette County has a higher rates of suicide in the 18-24 age range than the national average.

The rate of suicide in that age range from 2015-2019 was 20.8 per 100,000 people, compared to 13.53 per 100,000 nationwide, according to the Marquette County Health Department. Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2020, nearly 46,000 Americans died by suicide and 1.2 million people attempted suicide.

The grant to the health department includes funding for outreach activities, which can be crucial for young adults.

Additionally, the health department will coordinate area support groups for friends and families of those lost to suicide.

The health department will also be offering suicide prevention gatekeeper training programs for area organizations, businesses and community groups.

Gatekeepers are people who have specific training to recognize and identify red flags of someone who is at risk for suicide. Once they understand that someone is in danger, they take action to get someone at risk the help they need. It can be thought of as a similar skillset to CPR in the way that a little bit of training can go a long way toward saving a life.

The MCHD is also partnering with local businesses — such as Rize Cannabis in Marquette — to provide training and information. This will help them spread awareness while helping keep area residents safe.

There are resources available for businesses and individuals who would like to get involved and receive training. The training will teach people how to identify those at risk for suicide and how to help at-risk individuals access appropriate care.

Businesses can contact Sarah Derwin, a health educator from the MCHD. Her email is sderwin@mqtco.org.

Visit the MCHD website at www.mqthealth.org for more information.

More resources and statistics can be found online from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, including information about further training, at www.afsp.org

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.