Otter Tail County recently hosted and participated in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training.  The three-hour training was organized by members of the county’s multi-disciplinary team, a cross-section of professionals from throughout Human Services, Probation, and the County Attorney’s Office. The training was facilitated by clinicians from the Fargo Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and equipped professionals with strategies for reducing access to lethal means among individuals at risk for suicide.

Suicide rates in Otter Tail County and other rural areas are highest among middle-aged males. According to the Minnesota Department of Health:

• Firearms were involved in 47% of all suicide deaths in 2023.

• Historically, white males account for about 80% of firearm suicide deaths in Minnesota, with men in general representing about 80% of all suicides in the state.

• Rates of firearm suicide were about twice as high in rural counties as in urban counties.

Given these statistics, Otter Tail County recognizes the need for targeted suicide prevention efforts. CALM training provides vital tools for professionals and community members to engage in life-saving conversations and promote firearm safety among those at risk.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center describes CALM training as “a powerful addition to existing strategies to reduce the risk of suicide death in at-risk people while respecting their rights and autonomy.” The training educates professionals, gun owners, and the public on methods to limit access to firearms and other lethal means for individuals at risk, while maintaining their autonomy and decision-making rights.

“I can attest that despite attending numerous suicide prevention trainings in my career,” said Assistant Director of Human Services, Jess Steinbrenner, “CALM provided me with new information and new conceptualization of suicide prevention.”

Otter Tail County has an established coalition, Community Partnerships for Suicide Prevention (CPSP), which works to implement mental health and suicide prevention initiatives throughout the county. Including 30 members with diverse professional and personal backgrounds, the coalition is funded by the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health. Through this funding, the group has developed a comprehensive plan for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention in Otter Tail County. CALM training is an opportunity to support the mission of the CPSP and work to prevent suicide across the county.

Those who are in need or knows of someone who needs free and confidential support, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. For more information about suicide prevention initiatives in Otter Tail County, visit www.ottertailcounty.gov/suicide-prevention/