Suicide and substance abuse tend to effect rural communities at higher rates than in cities. Several factors can contribute to those higher rates, including lack of access to mental health services, stoic cultures, and more often residents feel some level of isolation. But while communities await new services in rural regions like the upper peninsula, organizations are taking steps to build community, and provide residents with the skills they need to start a difficult conversation.
The more that we can get into the community, the more the community can rally around each other to protect each other and help each other, because that’s the biggest thing. Ah we don’t know when we’re going to be able to get, like you said, more services up here. So this is kind of like another tool in the toolbox, a stopgap to kind of help the community,” says Copper Shores Prevention Coordinator Lisa SImpson. She adds, “Hand in hand with the Narcan, especially with substance abuse issues. Uh it’s another tool that not just shows you how to use the Narcan, but also the history. What opioids do to our community. So it really is a wonderful two-part system that we have available.”
Next Thursday, Copper Shores Outreach and Education will lead a QPR and Narcan training program. The session invites healthcare professionals and is open to advocates in the community who want to help their community. Outreach and education do ask those planning to attend to register for the training opportunity. Learn more about the copper shores outreach and education, QPR training and other programs online.
