Otter Tail County Public Health was recently awarded a four-year grant from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to research and implement community based action plans with the goal of preventing suicide efforts over the next four years.
With the Suicide Prevention Grant, Otter Tail County will be facilitating a coalition, whose goal is to build on previous efforts of suicide prevention and promote mental health awareness.
“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.”
Otter Tail County Public Health will be working with hospitals across the county to implement these techniques, including Lake Region Healthcare.
Chief Nursing Officer of Lake Region Healthcare, 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 from the 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.
If you or someone you know needs free and confidential support, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
In addition, the local Mobile Mental Health Crisis Response Team is available to respond to your needs 24/7. Call the toll-free number at 800-223-4512.