Health access issues to be discussed

An interactive discussion of health access issues will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at First National Bank, 259 W. Ninth Street.

Jeff Bontrager and Natalie Triedman, both with the Colorado Health Institute, will be discuss results from the latest Colorado Health Access Survey.

They will talk about who lacks insurance in Southwest Colorado and why and how to get them care.

To RSVP, email dobelbowers@coloradohealthinstitute.org by Feb. 25.

Suicide prevention is focus of training

Suicide prevention training for the public will be offered in Durango from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Feb. 18 and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 3 at the Keller Williams office, 700 Main Ave.

Southwest Colorado has a higher suicide rate than the rest of the state, which in turn has a higher suicide rate than the rest of the country.

In La Plata County in 2014, nine people died by suicide. The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training provides a clear and basic framework for people to engage safely and appropriately with a person at risk and get him or her connected to help.

The training, which costs $10, is limited to 15 people per session. The program is provided by Southern Ute Community Action Programs.

To register, visit www.sucap.org or call 563-4517.

Herald Staff