Yavapai County AZ (June 8, 2021) – MATFORCE, a primary prevention organization that focuses on stopping youth drug use before it starts, understands that a common reason youth choose to use substances is to deal with stress and negative emotions. In fact, according to the 2020 Arizona Youth Survey, those are the top 3rd and 4th reasons youth give as to why they use drugs.
For the past several years, MATFORCE has implemented strategies to educate youth on how to effectively deal with stress and negative emotions. Stress and negative emotions can also contribute to youth suicide. According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, “Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide. Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.”
Nikki Rosson, MATFORCE Assistant Director and certified safeTALK trainer, stated, “Whether someone is struggling with difficult feelings or in crisis, evidence shows that providing support services and talking about suicide are just a few actions we can all take to help others. I’m honored to bring additional safeTALK trainings to our county to help families, friends, and loved ones facilitate more of these actions that help prevent suicide deaths.”
MATFORCE is offering a free safeTALK training, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Prescott Valley Police Department Training room located at 7601 E. Skoog Blvd. , Prescott Valley. To register for this free training email info@matforceaz.org or call (928) 708-0100.
For more information about this class please visit matforce.org. For more information about suicide prevention resources visit TeenLifeline.org or call 800-248-8336, or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org or call 800-273-TALK.