You have the power to help people going through a mental health crisis.
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.
Be there for someone who might be struggling or in crisis
- Learn the warning signs of suicide, and the five actions for communicating with someone in crisis.
- Take a training! Sign up for Mental Health First Aid and other trainings.
- Find data on mental health and suicide in your community.
Ask the Question Project
The Ask the Question Project shines a light on the lived experience of suicide attempt survivors, through a lens of hope and connection. This collaboration with the Clackamas Arts Alliance works to break down the stigma often associated with suicide.
Support Group
This peer-led support group from FolkTime offers a place for people who have attempted suicide or who have experienced suicidal ideation to talk and be heard. This group meets virtually every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.
Useful Phone Numbers
- Clackamas County Crisis Line
503-655-8585
Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. - Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 24/7 | crisistextline.org/texting-in - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK
Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. Military veterans may press ‘1’ for specialized care. - Oregon Youthline
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
Download Resources
Flyers with phone number
Pocket-sized resource cards
Tri-county resource flyers
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Clackamas County
This community-led coalition collaborates on ways to prevent suicide and support people who have experienced suicide loss. Those participating decide the priorities for action.
Examples of priorities include:
- Encourage outreach and communication for suicide prevention
- Improve equitable access and coordination for treatment, services & supports
- Increase awareness of risk factors and warning signs
The coalition meets the third Tuesday of every month (except August) at 4:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Email Kathy Turner at kturner@clackamas.us for more information.
Seeking Steering Committee Leader(s)
The vision of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Clackamas County is to develop and help guide implementation of a suicide prevention strategy identifying recommendations, priorities, and action steps toward the goal of zero suicides in Clackamas County, Oregon.
The Steering Committee develops, recommends and takes action on strategies that lead to suicide prevention across the life-span. To accomplish this, the Steering Committee is responsible for the crucial components to build a strong coalition, including general oversight of the Coalition's strategic plan, meetings, and activities – listening, planning, doing and evaluating. For additional information about the Coalition and the role of Steering Committee members, please see the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Clackamas County charter and/or our webpage.
Currently, we are seeking people with lived experience – living with thoughts of suicide, an attempt survivor and/or loss survivor to serve on the Steering Committee. We encourage you to review The Critical Importance of Lived Experience for more information.
If you would like to speak to a current Steering committee leader to learn more about what the Steering Committee does, please be in touch with Carlos Benson Martinez at carlosbm@wolfpackcts.org
Time Commitment:
- Approximately 3-5 hours per month
- Attend Steering Committee & Coalition meetings, major Coalition activities, events & work groups
- Two Year Term (staggered to ensure smooth leadership transition)
Candidates apply and are appointed by the Steering Committee of the Coalition.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Galli Murray at gallimur@clackamas.us, Clackamas County Suicide Prevention Coordinator.