The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Montana State University will host a virtual Friday Forum titled “Addressing Montana’s Suicide Crisis” on Friday, Feb. 14. The event will be held online via Zoom from noon to 1:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, Montana has the highest death rate by suicide in the country. Tracy Rassley, programs manager for the Montana and Wyoming chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will discuss factors responsible for Montana’s high rate and efforts focused on suicide prevention.

Rassley will be joined by a member of the Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors, or LOSS, program in Lewis and Clark County, to discuss the creation of the first LOSS chapter in Montana. They will also discuss whether Gallatin County could benefit from forming a chapter to help those who have experienced the profound grief that accompanies a loved one’s suicide.

OLLI at MSU Friday Forums are held the second Friday of the month from September through May. Registration must be completed at montana.edu/olli or on Zoom on or before Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. Upon registration confirmation, participants will receive an email with the Zoom link and instructions on how to join the program.

OLLI at MSU is a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach. ATO works across the university to support and advance its land-grant mission through unique and innovative outreach and engagement opportunities. More information can be found online at montana.edu/olli.

Category: Attractions | Talks and Lectures