According to a 2016 C.D.C. National Vital Statistics report, Montana has the second highest rate of suicide in the United States.

DPHHS listed the following social factors associated with increased suicidal behavior in Montanans:

• Social Isolation (isolation from peers or social relationships that are troubled)
• Social Disorganization (society lacks the regulatory constraints necessary to control the behavior of its members.)
• Downward Social Mobility (socioeconomic)
• Rural Residency

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley will hold free training to help people learn how to prevent suicide. QPR training teaches three steps to QUESTION, PERSUADE and REFER someone to help. Training session will be held March 1 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm in the community room at the Billings Public Library.

For more information, contact Sarah Music at 406-247-3273

If you are in need of help or feel alone, text MT to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-8255 for a free 24/7 suicide crisis line.

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