Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is hosting a forum on suicide prevention in our community on June 27, 2018 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa County Workforce Center, at 512 29 ½ Road in Grand Junction.
This quarterly forum will focus on resources and support groups and options in our community, as well as serve as a platform for discussion about community-wide prevention efforts. MCPH officials hope to see a variety of community members at the forum.
“As these quarterly forums continue to evolve, we continue to strive to make sure all voices are heard,” said Program Manager Sarah Robinson. “The discussion on community prevention needs to be ongoing. In order to make sure that conversation is full and well-rounded, we need feedback and participation from as many community members as possible.”
In an effort to inform the community about different, nontraditional ways to access care, the forum will also feature presentations on peer support groups in Mesa County and employee assistance programs.
Marti Montoya, LPC and clinical director of Triad Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will lead the discussion on how useful EAPs can be. These programs are offered with little to no cost and can be beneficial to you or your loved ones. Many employers in Mesa County offer some form of EAP, which may include counseling, legal and financial advice, life coaching and more.
Jenn Daniels, president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a victim’s advocate for Grand Junction Police Department, will define what a peer is and discuss the importance of peer groups. Most peer support services are free of charge and can potentially bridge gaps in our community. Join us to learn about what programs are available in Mesa County and how you can get involved.
Residents who are unable to make the forum but would like to share ideas can email suicideprevention@mesacounty.us or call 970-248-6900.
Click here to learn more about suicide prevention efforts in Mesa County.