San Juan County Commission backs local suicide-prevention conference and will provide letter of support

Renee McDonald, co-lead of the Boulder Way Forward Coalition, asked the San Juan County Commission on Dec. 16 for the county’s backing of a multi-agency suicide-prevention conference aimed at reducing stigma and improving local responses to suicide, sexual assault and substance misuse. McDonald said some partners and partial funding are already in place and that the conference would train community and faith leaders to carry evidence-based messages into their communities.

The commission’s county administrator explained procedural support and the logistics of drafting a county letter. Commissioners asked about links to existing services — the county’s child-justice center and local mental-health partners — and about data gaps on local incidents. McDonald said school and health partners have helped cover about two-thirds of current costs and that local agencies such as San Juan Counseling and MCOT will take part.

Commissioner Harvey moved that the commission provide a letter of support; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners underscored that the county’s support would help organizers secure additional partners and grants. The administration will prepare a letter noting the county’s endorsement and any in-kind support the county can provide.

Supporters said the conference aims both to expand prevention and to help gather better local data where gaps exist, particularly for youth and reservation communities. County officials said they would coordinate with the presenters and relevant county departments to ensure the letter accurately describes the county’s intended level of involvement.