Image courtesy of Intermountain Health
A message of hope was recently inserted into mental health kits delivered to several youth across the state by Intermountain Health's leadership team.
Employees assembled and delivered 350 kits. The kit is also packed with resources to support those struggling with their mental health.
Suicide prevention is a top priority in every state Intermountain Health serves, the company said in a news release. The Centers for Management and Prevention ranks Utah 14th in the nation for suicide deaths, according to the latest statistics for 2021. In 2022, 45,979 people committed suicide and 1.2 million people attempted suicide in the country.
According to a report by the Utah state government, there were 648 suicides per year from 2019 to 2021. In 2020, suicide was the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10-17 and 18-24, and the second leading cause of death for Utahns ages 25-44. It became the fifth leading cause of death for people aged 45 to 64. But the state says suicide deaths are only part of the problem. More people are being hospitalized or treated in emergency departments for non-fatal suicide attempts.
According to the nonprofit organization Find Your Anchor, each mental health kit is packed with materials designed to inspire, soothe, and provide support. This includes a playing card with 52 reasons to live, a list of resources in the community to get help, and more.
“We believe there is help, there is hope, and there are alternatives. We know the answers are different for everyone, and while we do not claim to have all the answers, we believe that there is help, there is hope, and there are alternatives. Anchor is one small piece in a sea of positive and safe options,” the group's website states. “While there are no guaranteed preventive measures, we do know that support is important, connection is important, and the more support and resources we have, the better. Each person needs an anchor.”
Intermountain Regional Health Vice President Lisa Nichols said it is critical to address suicide rates in the community.
“We believe that by delivering these messages of hope, combined with resources, we can help vulnerable youth in mental health crisis,” Nichols said in a news release.
Before assembling the kit, defensive linemen Chris and Martha Thomas introduced their group and the Find Your Anchor box. Defensive Line was founded by New York Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and his parents shortly after Solomon's sister, Ella, died by suicide in 2018. The family has dedicated their lives to sharing Ella's story in hopes of ending the youth suicide epidemic. Especially for young people of color, “by changing the way we communicate and connect about mental health.”
Defensive Line and Intermountain also announced a new three-year partnership.
“Defensive Line is forever grateful for our multi-year partnership with Intermountain Health,” Chris Thomas said in a news release. “With a collaborative focus on mental health and suicide prevention in key marginalized communities, we engage diverse advocates, decision-makers, community leaders, and influencers to support the lives of marginalized communities.” We strive to improve mental health by promoting the overall health of people and communities of color.”
Nichols said the work the defensive line has been doing has been inspiring.
“We are proud to partner with the Thomas family,” she said. “With this new collaboration, we will be able to spread this important suicide prevention message to more communities that need it.”
Intermountain has worked to educate communities, health care providers, first responders, teachers, and others on QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training. The key elements are allowing time between the onset of a crisis and when people are at risk, and limiting access to dangerous drugs and other lethal methods.
If you need help with children and teens struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please call 801-313-7711. If you require adult assistance, please call 833-442-2211. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 is also available 24 hours a day.
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