Suicide Prevention

If you are having a mental health emergency, call our crisis line at 503-655-8585.

Si está teniendo una emergencia de salud mental, llame a nuestra línea de crisis al 503-655-8585.

What We Know About Suicide

Hope, Help, Resiliency and Survival.   Highlighting stories of recovery and healing is a priority for Clackamas County when it comes to Suicide Prevention.   For every person that we lose to suicide, 278 seriously consider suicide but do not die – they survive.  These untold stories demonstrate recovering from thoughts of suicide is possible—and happening every day.

More and More People Believe That Suicides Can Be Prevented

  • 94 percent of adults think suicide can be prevented.
  • More than 9 in 10 adults say they would do something if someone close to them was contemplating suicide.
  • Nearly 4 in 5 adults are interested in learning more about how they might be able to play a role in helping someone who may be suicidal.
  • When it comes to their own health, 4 in 5 US adults say mental health and physical health are equally important. In our current health care system, however, 55 percent of adults say physical health is prioritized over mental health.

How You Can Be There for Someone Who Might Be Struggling or in Crisis

  • Learn the warning signs.
  • Take action steps and help to connect a person to professional care.
  • Join us by learning the facts, by taking a training, or by starting a conversation with someone who might be struggling.    Go to the GetTrainedToHelp website to learn about and register for free suicide prevention and mental health first aid trainings across the tri-counties.
  • Share resources: 
    • Clackamas County Crisis Line: 503-655-8585 - which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support.
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK – which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. Military veterans may press ‘1’ for specialized care.
    • Oregon Youthline: Call: 877-968-8491, Text: teen2teen to 839863, Chat: online, Email: youthl@linesforlife.org
    • Senior Loneliness Line: 503-200-1633 provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to older adults.
    • The Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Lifeline for LGBTQ youth: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
    • Trans Lifeline's Peer Support Hotline: 877-565-8860 - peer support service run by trans people. 
    • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 press #1

You've Got What It Takes!

You don't need to be an expert to be a part of this work - just a good listener. If you notice someone who might be struggling - start a conversation. And if all is well, that person will know you're someone who cares enough to ask. Asking, "Are you okay?" can change lives.

Email Galli Murray, Clackamas County Suicide Prevention Coordinator, at gallimur@clackamas.us to receive updates about trainings, suicide prevention resources and opportunities for community involvement.

Schedule a Listening Session With Your Organization or Community

We want to hear from you about what puts county residents at risk for suicide, what helps keep them safe and what is needed to improve our prevention efforts. If you are part of a group that meets regularly, we’d love to come talk with you about this important issue. Please contact Kathy Turner at kturner@clackamas.us or 503-742-5962 for more information.

Coalition for Suicide Prevention in Clackamas County

Apply to be on the Steering Committee

We are seeking applicants to help lead and support the newly formed Coalition for Suicide Prevention in Clackamas County. We anticipate forming a steering committee with a size of seven to ten individuals from a diversity of professions, perspectives and backgrounds. For more background on the coalition, please review the minutes and presentations from the meetings and review the co-chair and steering committee roles and responsibilities. For more information, contact Kathy Turner at kturner@clackamas.us or 503 742-5962.

Apply online

Upcoming meeting on Jan. 15, 2018. Learn more.

The community-led coalition will work collaboratively to prevent suicide and support people who have experienced suicide loss. Those participating will decide the priorities for action. Examples of priorities from other suicide prevention coalitions include: 

  • building awareness
  • identifying strengths and gaps in services and supports
  • better understanding what puts people at risk
  • creating supports for families and communities who experience loss
  • educating policy makers and advocating for changes
  • leveraging resources by working together to combine efforts
  • empowering the community to be ambassadors for suicide prevention    

All are welcome. Every community, culture, race, or organization in our county has been affected by suicide, no one is immune from it. We invite participation from anyone who is concerned and wants to work collaboratively. 

To RSVP or for more information, contact Kathy Turner at kturner@clackamas.us or 503-742-5962.