January 13, 2004

Suicide Hotline Offers Volunteer Training At Boise State

Idaho Suicide Prevention will offer a three-session crisis intervention training program on Friday, Jan. 23, Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. Training will take place in C138 of the Communication Building at Boise State University. All training materials will be provided free of charge. Training sessions are primarily designed for potential hotline volunteers, but interested members of the public are also invited. The training will cover myths and facts about suicide, warning signs, intervention strategies and ethics, and community resources. College students may receive practicum or internship credit for taking the training and becoming volunteers. Training is open to those who wish to become hotline volunteers and anyone else interested in dealing with suicide; however, all participants are asked to complete a confidential questionnaire and interview prior to completing the training program, as well as sign a code of ethics. There is no fee for the training, but volunteers are asked for a one-year commitment of service.  Volunteers may take calls at their own homes. Suicide is a major cause of death among Idahoans, and the state suffers from one of the highest per capita rates of suicide in the nation.  The hotline operates from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, and serves all of Idaho. The number is 1-800-564-2120. All calls are confidential. The hotline is staffed entirely by volunteers. Its financial support comes from private donations, as well as the United Ways of Ada, Canyon and Elmore counties. For more information please contact Peter Wollheim at 426-3532 or 1-800-564-2120. -30- Contact                        Peter Wollheim                       Department of communication              208 426-3532                        pwollhe@boisestate.edu                   Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing  208 426-3275 kcraven@boisestate.edu