Clay County Public Health Reveals Study of Reduced Suicide Attempts By Peer-Led Groups

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Clay County Public Health had conducted a national study measuring the impact of peer-led “Sources Of Strength” groups.

The study revealed that the program run in schools reduced suicide attempts by twenty-nine percent.

Moorhead High School, Moorhead Alternative Learning Center, Barnesville High School and Hawley High School have been leading the program for the past few years.

They are a part of “Sources of Strength” thanks to a suicide prevention grant awarded by Minnesota Department of Health.

“To really help our young people, but not just our young people you know there’s lots of people in our community that are hurting and think about suicide. We call that suicide ideation and we really want to impact that you know that long term. Really make this the healthiest community for mental health,” said Karen Nitzkorski, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Clay County Public Health.

The suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling 9-8-8.