Local suicide prevention trainings, more Health Headlines

May 3, 2026 - 12:08

Mesa County residents will have two opportunities this month to learn how to help prevent suicide in their community. Local organizations are hosting free training sessions designed to teach people how to recognize warning signs and intervene effectively.

The trainings focus on practical skills. Participants will learn how to identify someone who may be thinking about suicide, how to ask direct questions about those thoughts, and how to connect that person with professional help. Organizers say the goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty that often keeps people from stepping in when someone is struggling.

One session will be held at the Central Library on Grand Avenue. Another will take place at the Mesa County Health Department on North Avenue. Both are open to the public and do not require any prior mental health training. Each session lasts about two hours.

Health officials emphasize that suicide is preventable when people in the community know what to look for and how to respond. They encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to attend. Space is limited, so early arrival is recommended.

For those who cannot attend, additional resources are available through local crisis hotlines and the county health department. The trainings are part of a broader effort to reduce suicide rates across the region.