FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Last July, North Dakota’s suicide prevention hotline transitioned from a 1-800 number to 988, and FirstLink officials say that brought a “dramatic” increase in calls. FirstLink is 988’s in-state service provider and serves all of North Dakota and parts of western Minnesota. They had nearly 20,000 contacts directly related to suicide, a 52% increase from 2020….
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A Fargo nonprofit pushes for a North Dakota Senate bill that would charge an access fee to citizens every time someone dials 988 during a behavioral health emergency. It’s similar to North Dakotans paying 50 cents every time you hear a tornado siren except people would only pay 30 cents. FirstLink handled more than 15,000 calls…
HORACE, N.D. (KVRR)- Leaders of the North Dakota chapter for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, are raising funds and focusing energy towards suicide prevention and mental health, through there 11th annual Ride to Fight Suicide event. Over 80 riders registered to make the 150 mile trip from Fort Saloon in Abercrombie to Silver Dollar in West Fargo. Organizers say you…
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In an appeal to young people, Fargo Police want you to know that your life matters. “And the star of this film is prevention,” Officer Bloom stated. Last year two Fargo high school students took their own lives. Fargo Community trust officers like Michael Bloom are taking action to bring awareness to suicide. ‘Its devastating when…
WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — West Fargo Public Schools is helping break the stigma during Mental Health Awareness Month. Staff have started conversations surrounding the topic and discuss the importance of asking for help if a student should need it. The school district also requires all staff get mental health training that covers topics like anxiety, depression and suicide prevention….
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Some people will bear the frigid temperatures tonight to bring awareness to homelessness and veteran suicide prevention. Both Cass and Clay county sheriff’s will be freezing for good reason as they sleep inside of a tent outside the Moorhead American Legion to bring awareness to the cause. The sheriffs will remain outdoors until noon Saturday. The event…
FARGO, N.D. — It’s not rare for teenagers to have to deal with mental health, but unfortunately, it is less common to hear those same people address their issues. “Kids don’t open up because they are afraid that you’re going to judge them, that you are not going to validate their thoughts and their feelings,” mental health advocate Jeff Yalden…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of bipartisan Senators, including North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer, have introduced the SPEED act to help veterans in distress. The Suicide Prevention by Eliminating Excessive Digits Act requires the Federal Communication Commission to designate a 3-digit dialing code for veterans in crisis. It is similar to 9-1-1 and would connect directly to the Veterans Crisis…
FARGO, N.D. — Your voice is a lot more powerful than you think. It’s the message Prairie St. John’s and NDSU Libraries are sending to students on campus. As part of National Suicide Prevention Week, the organizations are telling them that if they notice a friend, family member or even themselves start to experience signs of depression or anxiety, they shouldn’t…
FARGO, N.D. — Baylee Enquist was just one of thousands of teenagers across the country who deal with sadness on a daily basis. “I was struggling a lot in middle school with depression and anxiety, and was having a hard time reaching out and once I did, I was able to get on the path to be well again,” said Enquist,…
