Messages of hope recently were inserted into mental health kits delivered to several youth throughout the state by Intermountain Health’s leadership team.

The employees assembled and delivered 350 kits that also are filled with resources to help those struggling with mental well-being.

Suicide prevention is a top priority that has been identified in every state Intermountain Health serves, the company said in a news release. According to the latest figures from 2021, the Centers for Control and Prevention ranked Utah No. 14 in the nation for suicide deaths. In 2022, 45,979 people in the country completed suicide and 1.2 million people made an attempt.

Utah.gov reports there were 648 suicides per year from 2019 to 2021. In 2020, suicide was the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10-17 and 18-24 and the second leading cause of death for those ages 25-44. It was the fifth leading cause of death in people 45-64. Suicide deaths are only part of the problem, however, according to the state. More people are hospitalized or treated in emergency departments for nonfatal suicide attempts.

According to the nonprofit Find Your Anchor, each mental health kit is packed with materials designed to inspire, sooth and offer support. It includes a deck of cards with 52 reasons to live, a list of resources in the community to seek help and more.

“We believe that there is help, there is hope, and there is an alternative. We don’t claim to have all the answers, knowing that it is unique for each person, but Find Your Anchor is one small piece in a sea of positive and safe alternatives,” the group’s website states. “Although there’s no guaranteed means of prevention, we know that support is crucial, connection matters, and that the more help and resources the better. Each person needs an anchor.”

Lisa Nichols, vice president of Intermountain community health, said addressing suicide rates in local communities is highly important.

“We believe that bringing these messages of hope, combined with the resources, can help vulnerable youth in mental health crises,” Nichols stated in the news release.

Before putting the kits together, Chris and Martha Thomas from The Defensive Line introduced their group and the Find Your Anchor boxes. The Defensie Line was founded by New York Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and his parents shortly after Solomon’s sister, Ella, died by suicide in 2018. The family has dedicated their lives to sharing Ella’s story in the hopes of ending the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, “By transforming how we communicate and connect about mental health.”

The Defensive Line and Intermountain also announced a new three-year partnership.

“The Defensive Line is eternally grateful for its multi-year partnership with Intermountain Health,” Chris Thomas said in the news release. “In our joint focus on mental health and suicide prevention in key, marginalized communities, we strive to advance mental wellness by engaging diverse advocates, decision makers, community leaders and influencers to drive whole health for those who are marginalized as well as our communities of color.”

Nichols said the work The Defensive Line has done has been inspiring.

“We are proud to partner with the Thomas family,” she said. “With this new collaboration, we will be able to help spread this important anti-suicide prevention messaging into more of our communities who need it.”

Intermountain has worked to educate the community, health care providers, first responders, teachers and others on QPR (question, persuade and refer) training. A key element is putting time between the crisis and the person at risk and limiting access to dangerous medication and other lethal means.

For help with kids and teens suffering from mental health issues and suicidal ideation, call 801-313-7711. For adult help, call 833-442-2211. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 also can be utilized 24 hours a day.

Newsletter