Colorado

At month's end, CAP staff were invited to attend a suicide prevention listening session hosted by Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. The facilitator gathered a group of stakeholders in both agriculture and mental health services. For about two hours, staff participated in an open forum conversation about how to reach men in ag within the most rural communities. It seemed to be the consensus that male farmers/ranchers are best approached through their women. Delivery methods such as telehealth and costs of access were discussed and seen as barriers. Cultural awareness of providers was also cited as an issue of importance. Further, the need to find local centers of influence in each community was thought to be of value. It was clear that the stakeholders that were not invited should be included inasmuch as they are funded to do this type of outreach and treatment provision piece. These parties include the Office of Suicide Prevention, the Colorado Coalition of Behavior Health Providers, the Colorado Crisis Center, and the Suicide Prevention Coalition. They will be included in the next series of meetings. Staff are hopeful that these meetings will develop deliverables that have a measurable positive impact on suicide.

Submitted by Jim Craig