September is Suicide Prevention Month, and despite best efforts to curb the trend, Idaho’s youth are facing rising rates of suicide. As many as 29% of junior high students and 34% of high school students had had thoughts of suicide in the past six months, according to an Idaho Ed News report in 2023—which puts our state in the top 10 states for highest for teen suicidal ideation. Idaho also ranks 4th, nationally, for teen suicide rates.

In this episode, host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Andrea Garrity, social work supervisor and Jason Shanks, counseling supervisor with the Boise School District to talk about these alarming statistics, efforts they’ve made to reduce the trend, and ways we can help. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can always call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. They are available by phone or text 24 hours a day. 

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