June 6, 2023 |
Photo – 988 Hotline Logo – Courtesy army.mil
The Carbon County Prevention Network is hosting two suicide prevention training seminars in Saratoga.
On June 21st and 22nd, in the Platte Valley Community Center, representatives from the Carbon County Prevention Network will hold classes on how to recognize a person in crisis and prevent them from committing suicide.
During May 16th‘s Saratoga town council meeting, CCPN Community Engagement Consultant Tracy Young gave a presentation about her organization. Young explained the Carbon County Prevention Network’s suicide prevention classes.
The Carbon County Prevention Network provides information about alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and suicide. Young said her organization collects data on underage drug and alcohol use as well as adult alcohol over usage.
Young said CCPN also gathers information on tobacco use in the state. She said vaping, or E-Cigarettes, has overtaken conventional cigarettes as the most common use of nicotine. Young explained that vaping is seen by young people as a trendy alternative to traditional smoking methods.
Young said the negative health impacts of vaping weren’t known when electronic smoking was first introduced. The Community Engagement Consultant said the Carbon County Prevention Network has new data showing how harmful vaping is. Young said her organization is collaborating with public officials to spread the word.
Young said THC concentrates are often vaped in the same way as tobacco. She said edibles and other forms of stronger marijuana are making their way north from Colorado. She said the Carbon County Prevention Network is working with lawmakers to inform people about the dangers of concentrated THC products.
Young said people in crisis have a phone number they can call for help. Similar to 911, 988 is a nation-wide emergency number that gives callers access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and mental health crises. Young said calling 988 will connect you to a counselor in either Cheyenne or Casper.
Young said people can call 988 for friends and loved ones too.
The Carbon County Prevention Network’s suicide prevention training is being held at the Platte Valley Community Center. On June 21st, the class begins at 10:00am. The next day, June 22nd, the program starts at 8:30am. Contact Tracy Young at communityisprevention@gmail.com to register for training or ask questions.
