Suicide In Rich County Addressed

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  July 5, 2017.  Reed Ernstrom, Bear River Mental Health Director presented the area plan.  The State Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health requires this.  There are 10 mandated services including med management, day treatment, outpatient care,  group and individual therapy.

Ernstrom said they had dealt with serious things in Rich County this year. There were several suicides and suicide attempts in the county.   Mental health problems and trauma happens to most families. But it sometimes is not recognized in time.

Suicide and opioid abuse are often related and it is not recognized.  Tom Weston said, “You can often not see when someone will commit suicide.  And when they do it is very hard for their families.”

Ernstrom said that in adolescents they often think that suicide is not permanent.  For example, a young boy attempted suicide, when asked why he said that he might get his girlfriend back if he committed suicide.

The school district is having a community meeting addressing suicide, it might be important that BRMH send a representative.  Commissioner Cox asked Ernstrom to call Lamborn.  The Bear River Health Department got a grant for suicide prevention and is coordinating the suicide prevention meeting but Cox thinks that Bear River Mental Health should be included.  The meeting will be July 19, at 5 p.m. at Rich High School.