Newcomers are drawn to this state for its promise of a high quality of life – low crime rates, good schools, unrivaled outdoor recreation opportunities. But there’s a dark side to life under the Big Sky: Montana has the highest suicide rate in the nation. The state shares this distinction with other largely rural states like Alaska and New Mexico. And suicide rates are on the rise across the nation.
It’s not something we like to talk about, but many of our friends and neighbors could be in emotional crisis and teetering on the verge of taking their own lives. The good news is there’s a way to help.
The Bozeman Help Center, a nonprofit organization that advocates for children in abusive situation and victims of sexual assault and mental illness, operates a 24/7/365 crisis line for those contemplating taking their own lives or dealing with any kind of emotional difficulty. The number is (406) 586-3333 to talk with someone about the situation. The service is free and confidential.
And they need help.
The Help Center is seeking volunteers to staff the hotline. It’s offering 52 hours of training to teach volunteers ways to help those in emotional crisis. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one four-hour shift per week for minimum of nine months.
In addition to crisis counseling the hotline offers Telecare, which provides daily calls to check on the welfare of homebound elderly people. In the past, students and retirees have numbered among the volunteers. Students can often earn class credit staffing the hotline.
These are highly meaningful services. Being a Help Center crisis line volunteer is a way to become an active participant in the effort to stem Montana’s high rate of suicide. And it has its rewards. Past volunteers have reported the training and experiences staffing the crisis line have made them better listeners and enhanced their personal lives.
People are crying out for help. And many are veterans of wars in foreign lands where they experience unspeakable violence they are unable to forget.
This editorial solely represents the opinion of the Chronicle Editorial Board. The board consists of the managing editor, the publisher and several community members. The community members are non-journalists who provide input and help shape the board's opinions.
The board does not represent the views of the newsroom, and its opinions have no influence over the Chronicle's news coverage. To submit feedback on this editorial, email citydesk@dailychronicle.com.
Editorial Board
Mark Dobie, publisher
Jason Bacaj, managing editor
Richard Broome, community member
Renee Gavin, community member
Charles Rinker, community member
Will Swearingen, community member
Angie Wasia, community member
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