Motivated by concerning trends and a desire to develop new solutions and supports, a new group is forming focused on preventing suicide on the Iron Range. The Suicide Prevention Coalition will host a kick-off meeting for the public on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 4-7 p.m. at the Mountain Iron Community Center.

The meeting is designed to bring community members together for discussion and to gain a better understanding of the impact of suicide on the community, and to build a team for future work. The meeting is free to attend and will include light snacks and refreshments.

Anyone living in or working in Iron Range communities in St. Louis County with an interest in suicide prevention is encouraged to attend. Though people impacted by a recent suicide are encouraged to consider if they are ready to attend a meeting about suicide.

The event will begin with an open house format from 4-5 p.m. for people who want to stop in to learn about the coalition and provide input to guide the work the coalition will do. Following that, from 5-7 p.m., there will be a welcome and short presentation, then listening sessions and identifying of next steps.

Among the agencies already involved in the coalition are: the VA (Suicide Prevention Program), Northeast Service Collaborative, SLC Family Services Collaborative, Regional Suicide Prevention Coordinator, St. Louis County Public Health & Human Services, and the Carlton-Cook-Lake-St Louis Community Health Board.

Anyone with questions about the Coalition or its kickoff event can contact Kyra Kjeldahl at kjeldahlk1@stlouiscountymn.gov or Josh Gorham at gorhamj@stlouiscountymn.gov.