Otter Tail County, MN – Otter Tail County Public Health was recently awarded a four-year Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The grant will focus on coordinating and evaluating a comprehensive community approach to suicide prevention. Over the next four years, Otter Tail County Public Health, in collaboration with community members and partners, will plan and implement suicide prevention efforts throughout the county.
During the fall of 2021, a workgroup was formed to gather information on community mental health needs. As a part of the Suicide Prevention Grant, a local coalition facilitated by Otter Tail County Public Health will build on previous efforts by developing an action plan and implementation strategies for maximum mental health promotion and suicide prevention impact.
“Otter Tail County is dedicated to improving the lives of all residents and visitors,” said Reese Ellison, Otter Tail County Public Health Educator. “The goal of the next four years is to implement a plan that meets the needs of our entire community and improve mental health for all.”
Lake Region Healthcare is partnering with Otter Tail County in prevention efforts to implement the Zero Suicide framework. Chief Nursing Officer Roberta Young stated, “This important collaboration will improve suicide prevention efforts in our communities and help us better equip our staff to best care for people at risk of suicide and self-harm.”
With the training and technical assistance from MDH, this organizational framework will be used to increase suicide care management, access to mental health services, and follow-up care for individuals identified as at-risk for suicide.
If you want to participate in the coalition, contact Otter Tail County Public Health Department’s Heath Educator, Reese Ellison, at rellison@ottertailcounty.gov.
If you or someone you know needs free and confidential support, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741. In addition, the local Mobile Mental Health Crisis Response Team is available to respond to your needs 24/7. Call the center’s toll-free number at 800-223-4512.
About Lake Region Healthcare
The Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) enterprise is an independent, community-owned and governed, non-profit healthcare organization headquartered in Fergus Falls. With facilities in nine communities, the midsized rural health system primarily serves five counties in west central Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Comprised of Lake Region Healthcare and Mill Street Residence Assisted Living Facility, the enterprise operates two hospitals, ten clinics, a cancer center, a senior living community, and various other health- and wellness-related ventures. With over 1,100 employees and 120 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers, we are dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of our communities close to home and delivering specialty and sub-specialty services. For more information, visit www.lrhc.org.