It's never a fun topic to discuss but Suicide Prevention is something we need to have open conversations about. KTVB recently ran a story about the Idaho Prevention Hotline getting desperate for more volunteers to man the phone lines as they have seen a 41% increase in call volume over the past 6 months.

Currently the hotline is handled by close to 80 volunteers, but the need is much closer to 100 or even more would be better. There are volunteers who are at the call center 24 hours a day 7 days a week to listen and answer the phone just to help someone going through some tough obstacles in life.

If volunteering is something you might be interested in you do need to complete a training program on how to respond to calls. Putting these resources into action takes time and effort from everyone involved so typically they ask for a one-year commitment to volunteering. But lots of times those volunteers stay around for more than just the one year commitment.

If you ever need to talk with someone, no matter what the issue is please remember people are ready to help you at 208-398-4357. All calls are confidential and anonymous. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK.

Shortly after high school ended for me I had a buddy who took his own life. It was someone you though was always happy, and grew up in a very loving home with a strong family. Sometimes you just don't know what people are going through. Just remember to be kind and if you suspect someone you know might be having suicidal thoughts act on it immediately.

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