In 2021-2022, we will bring together a series of community partners focused on public health topics and strategies. You can read his comprehensive 30-page report they produced online. Search using the keywords ‘Gila County Community Health Improvement Plan’.

Not surprisingly, suicide ranks second among public health priorities to focus on by 2027.

Isn’t that amazing?

Consider the following points. * Suicide deaths in Gila County increased by 92% from 2020 to 2021. *The biggest increase from 2020 to 2021 was in deaths for people aged 71 and over. * And 80 percent of suicides in Gila County in 2021 were firearm-related.

how can i help

One of the key goals of the Community Health Improvement Plan is to establish a suicide review board made up of local residents who will work together to identify gaps in services, raise awareness of social isolation and loneliness within Gila County, and take steps to improve support. Are you considering becoming a member of this new board, have questions, or would you like more information? [email protected]. Jessica, the coordinator of Gila County’s public health effort to combat the opioid epidemic, also convened a similar Overdose Deaths Review Board Volunteer Board and found time for a short interview this week to elaborate on this important suicide awareness effort.

3 questions for Jessica Valgento

Q. Who do you expect to be on this new board? Will board members be required to work in the field of social work or do they need a certification or degree?

Jessica: “No credentials or degrees are required. Ideally, we will have representation from behavioral and mental health services, medical systems, schools, veterans services, law enforcement, paramedic services, seniors centers, homeless services, religious leaders, and other members of the community who are passionate about suicide prevention. It would also be beneficial to have members who have personally experienced suicide. We plan four to five meetings each year, each about two hours. This should give us enough time to consider at least three cases per meeting.We want to give as many members as possible the opportunity to participate, so our meetings will be a hybrid of face-to-face and Zoom.”

Q. Do you already have experience with the Gila County Overdose Death Review Board? Please describe.

Jessica: “We were fortunate enough to have the full participation of the community in our overdose mortality review committees. The discussions that occurred at these meetings and the resulting recommendations will help us identify areas to focus on prevention strategies and develop future action plans. Today, our focus is on reducing stigma, providing education about overdoses, and providing the public with harm-reduction tools such as naloxone (Nalcan) and fentanyl test strips. See you in September, and if you are reading this and would like to participate, please contact me at the phone number or email above.”

Q. This April headline was a solemn headline: “Gila County has the highest suicide rate in the state.” The article went on to cite stats that the county’s rate was three times higher than Arizona’s and the highest in Arizona not only among veterans but also among children. What three steps can this new board take during his 2023 year to reverse this situation?

Jessica: “First, the Board collects and analyzes suicide-related data from the community, which helps determine demographic trends and risk factors in the community. Second, we assist in the creation and development of new prevention and intervention programs tailored to community-specific needs and challenges. We aim to work closely with schools, community organizations, and health care providers. Through the organization of community events and workshops, cooperation and partnerships between stakeholders, we can improve public awareness and reduce stigma.The loss of community members, family members and friends to suicide has a devastating impact on Gila County.The only way we can solve this problem is by coming together and sharing our experience and expertise.Knowing who have taken their own lives is not easy, but it is very valuable as a society in helping prevent future occurrences of suicide. We encourage anyone with a vested interest to consider joining this committee.”