Suicide Prevention with Valley View Behavioral Health

Suicide remains a public health crisis in Western Colorado. Statewide, it is the leading cause of death for individuals ages 10 to 24, and Colorado consistently ranks among the states with the highest age-adjusted suicide rates. In Garfield County alone, the most recent data from 2023 revealed a rate of 36 suicide deaths per 100,000 residents, nearly double the state average.

September: A Month of Awareness and Action

September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to honor those we've lost, support those who are struggling and raise awareness about the importance of mental health care.

At Valley View, the Behavioral Health department plays a vital role in this mission, offering integrated care in all outpatient primary care clinics, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and women’s health. Valley View also has an inpatient behavioral health team at the hospital that supports many mental health and social determinants of health needs—from surgery to acute care to the emergency department. Led by Director Barbra Corcoran, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, the team is committed to supporting patients with compassion, expertise and urgency.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

According to Corcoran, there are often visible signs that someone may be considering suicide. These can include giving away personal belongings, expressing thoughts about not being around or feeling hopeless, sudden and dramatic changes in behavior, increased substance use (80 to 90 percent of suicide deaths in Garfield County involved substance use), physical health changes or chronic pain, recent relationship breakups or job loss and a history of suicide attempts.

The CDC also highlights that individuals who have experienced violence—such as child abuse, bullying or sexual assault—are at greater risk. On the flip side, strong connections to family, community and accessible healthcare can serve as protective factors.

Valley View’s Commitment to Zero Suicide

Valley View has adopted an aspirational goal: zero suicides. “Just like we aim for zero safety incidents in the hospital, we believe in striving for zero suicides in our community,” says Corcoran. “We know we can improve how we screen patients for suicide risk factors, train staff to respond and support patients to get the care that they need.”

Valley View’s outpatient and inpatient providers are trained to recognize signs of suicidal ideation and conduct thorough risk assessments. But prevention doesn’t stop at the hospital doors.

Outside of clinical settings, Corcoran encourages open and honest conversations with loved ones who may be struggling. One of the most powerful tools is simply asking:
“Are you thinking about ending your life?” This question, asked with empathy and without judgment, can open the door to life-saving support.

Taking Action to Prevent Suicide

Join the Western Slope Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, September 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Organized by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Garfield County and supported by Valley View, this event is part of a nationwide initiative led by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Funds raised will support suicide prevention research and evidence-based programs that empower communities across the country.

Valley View will also present “Talk Saves Lives: A Brief Introduction to Suicide Prevention,” on September 30 at 6 p.m. at the Silt Branch Library in Silt, Colorado. This presentation will cover what to know about this leading cause of death, the most up-to-date research on prevention and what we can do to fight suicide. Participants will learn the common risk factors for suicide, how to spot the warning signs in others and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those in our community safe.

Presenters will include Gabby Beaudoin, LSW, Behavioral Health Provider at Silt Family Practice and Barb Corcoran, LCSW, Behavioral Health Director.

Help Is Always Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. You can:

• Call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors 24/7.
• Reach out to Valley View’s Behavioral Health team in your primary care clinic for support.
• Visit any hospital emergency room if you or a friend or loved one are in immediate suicidal crisis.