Dylan: Welcome to ClackCo Works. I'm Dylan Blaylock with Public Affairs at Clackamas County. Today, I'm joined by Galli Murray, the suicide prevention coordinator for Clackamas County. Thanks for being here, Galli.
Galli: I'm happy to be here.
Dylan: This is a more challenging conversation than we normally have. Suicide is an incredibly important topic, but it can be triggering for many people. What should someone who is feeling down or thinking about suicide know? What does Clackamas County want them to hear?
Galli: First and foremost, we want people to know they're not alone. That may sound cliché, but we have many resources in Clackamas County for people at any stage of struggle or crisis. We have a local crisis line at 503-655-8585, staffed by trained mental health professionals. You can call with any problem, big or small, and you're not inconveniencing anyone. We're here to listen, support, and help people get through tough times. There's also 988, which is available for calls or texts, and it's a great resource for anyone, anywhere. Just reach out—we want to hear from people and help them. All our resources are listed on our website.
Dylan: What about people who are worried about someone else? What should they do if they notice something different in someone?
Galli: Ask them if they're okay. Even if you don't know the person well, if you notice someone struggling, trust your instincts. It's important to ask, "Are you doing okay?" Sometimes people hesitate because they're afraid of the answer or assume someone else will help. But if everyone thinks that way, no one helps. Just saying, "You look like you're having a hard time. Is there anything I can do for you?" can make a difference. Offer resources like 988 or our local crisis line. I encourage everyone to program 988 into their phones, just like 911, so it's always available. You don't have to be a professional to help—just a caring human being.
Dylan: If someone wants to go further, does the county offer trainings?
Galli: Absolutely. We're fortunate to partner with neighboring counties to offer "Get Trained to Help," which provides free mental health and suicide prevention trainings. Trainings range from two hours to two days, and they're all free. The goal is to give community members more skills and confidence to recognize signs of struggle and know how to help. People who've taken these trainings often tell us they felt empowered to help someone in need, whether at church, walking their dog, or in their daily lives. Even staff who were hesitant to attend found it valuable, using the skills to support others outside of work. We believe suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility, not just mental health professionals.
Dylan: How many people die by suicide each year in Clackamas County?
Galli: When I started over ten years ago, about 55 people died by suicide each year. Unfortunately, that number has increased to between 60 and 70 annually. While a lot of great work is being done, there's still much more to do. That's why community involvement and training are so important—we can't do this alone.
Dylan: Besides training, how else can people get involved?
Galli: We have the Clackamas County Suicide Prevention Coalition, a community-driven group focused on suicide prevention. Anyone can join—just search for it online. The coalition has accomplished a lot, thanks to dedicated community members. We also offer free secure storage items, like medication lock boxes and firearm safes, to help make homes safer. Locking up medications and firearms can save lives, especially since the time between suicidal thoughts and action is often less than an hour. Putting time and distance between someone in crisis and lethal means can make all the difference.
Dylan: Can you tell us about the Compass to Connection app?
Galli: Compass to Connection is a free app for Android and iPhone, developed by local youth, young adults, parents, and caregivers. It offers resources on mental health, suicide prevention, meditation, conversation starters, and more. It's designed to help both youth and adults find support and start important conversations.
Dylan: What work do you do in schools?
Galli: All ten school districts in Clackamas County have clear plans and staff training for identifying and supporting students who may be struggling. We also train middle and high school students in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) so they can support their peers. Young people often talk to each other first, so it's important they have the tools to help and know when to involve a trusted adult. Students who've been trained feel more confident, and those they help feel more connected and supported at school. Prevention work is often invisible, but it makes a huge difference.
Dylan: If there's one thing you wish more people in Clackamas County knew about suicide prevention, what would it be?
Galli: I want people to know they can play a part. Suicide prevention isn't just the responsibility of professionals—it's everyone's job. Just like we help at a car accident, we can help someone in emotional crisis by checking in and offering support. Take a free training, get involved, and know that we need everyone in the community to help make a difference.
Dylan: Thank you, Galli, for your time and for all the important work you do for Clackamas County.
Galli: Thank you for having me and for helping share this important work.
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