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Summit County Fighting Against Suicide, And Substance And Opioid Abuse

bbiu.org

 

 

Youth suicide rates have nearly tripled since 2007 and suicide is now the leading cause of death among 10 to 17 year olds in Utah.

 

The Summit County Suicide Prevention Coalition is a partnership of community members, suicide survivors and service providers. The Park City School District is part of the coalition and is taking steps to work with the community to fight against suicide and substance and opioid abuse according to Shannon Decker, executive director of the Speedy Foundation, a suicide and mental health advocacy group.

“And the school district has created kind of a roundtable discussion, bringing members of the community in so that they can talk about prevention and education in the community," Decker said.

Investigators are looking into whether the deaths of two 13-year-old boys from Park City are connected to U-47700, a new synthetic drug that’s nearly eight times stronger than morphine. It’s been connected with at least 50 deaths nationwide, but hasn’t yet been confirmed with the death of these two boys. Because of the possible link, the school board has considered drug testing students who participate in extracurricular activities.

 

Although some of the steps the school board is taking aren’t as drastic, Decker said it’s important that people are talking about drug use, addiction and suicide.

“Typically someone isn’t ready to talk about suicide until it impacts them. And so that’s part of the stigma that we just have to end and continue to hold conversations," Decker said.

The Park City School District is hosting two films and discussions which deal with opioid addictions and stress. More information on those events can be found on our community calendar.