Whitman County suicide and drug death

COLFAX — As the biggest city in Whitman County, many people expect Pullman to have the highest amount of suicides that occur, but there are statistically more in the countryside than in Pullman, stated County Coroner Annie Pillers.

“That’s been pretty consistent,” Pillers said, noting that of people who have committed suicide- 83% have been men, 17% have been women.

Pillers stated this is not too uncommon through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at a larger scale.

“Many more men die from suicide.” Pillars said.

Pillers added that the age range, in the last 4 to 5 years has been at the highest ages, 45 to 64, and the next highest age range in the last 4 years is 65 and over. The third-highest range, in less deaths, at the ages of 25-44.

Many of these fall within other issues, as well, including drug deaths. Pillers stated that there have been 34 drug deaths in the last eight years, starting in 2015.

“The highest years for drug deaths were 20 and 22 for fentanyl,” Pillers stated, clarifying that it varies.

Most of the deaths in Whitman County due to drugs in the last three to four years are usually due to multiple drugs, starting in 2019 forward.

Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers stated that, in a county as small as Whitman County, there are periods were the amount of suicide-related deaths goes up and down in quantity.

“It’s a tragic and difficult thing for families and our communities,” Myers said, noting that suicide rate goes up in the winter time.

The Sheriff’s Office wants to reach out and help people as much as they can.

“We want to make people know they can reach out.” Myers said, adding that anyone can contact 911 or law enforcement if they don’t have anyone else to go to.

“We can point them to the resources they need to get them through a rough spell,” he added.

Myers also added that in regards to drug deaths, people who are struggling from mental health often turn to drugs.

Whitman County is not taking these issues lightly, and there are many resources for those who struggle with substance abuse and mental health, confirmed Pillars, who is part of the Whitman County Suicide Prevention Task Force, which was started a couple years ago.

Pillars explained that the task force is a large group of concerned citizens in the community across the county, including farmers, medical professionals, EMS, fire and professionals in behavioral health.

“There’s about 45 people in the task force,” Pillers said, noting that they seek to bring awareness to suicide risk and what to do to support those in crisis.

It could be anyone that is struggling with a crisis from veterans, farmers and to a neighbor.

“The more that we talk about this the more we know we can make a difference in someone’s life,” Pillers said.

“We’re currently working on offering broadly in Question Persuade and Refer a national program we offer here locally,” Pillers said, adding that it is also referred to as QPR.

QPR is to question someone in crisis, persuade them to get help, and refer them to the help that they need. Pillers noted that they are offering to teach the program in several schools in Whitman County.

There are resources to be found for everyone who struggles in Whitman County, including farmers with a resource called AgriSave, which gives specific training to agricultural communities. Pillars added that the task force is also working with McGregors.

Head of the Whitman County Veterans Board, Cody Yearton, shared resources for veterans who are struggling with mental health and PTSD, including the state WVVA suicide prevention website called SAVE.

Yearton is seeking to get other resources that are not represented in the county, such as a Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) officer. This resource helps get homeless veterans healthcare.

“There’s a couple other organizations that we’re looking to get represented in the county as well,” Yearton said.

Another resource that Pillers shared was the national 988 line. She explained that the line is one of the greatest resources for difficulty and those who are considering suicide as well as addiction problems. The line can be used for any form of distress, including relationship issues.

Pillers said that the line has trained counselors available to talk, get an initial intake and then they direct them to the right counselor.

“It’s a great opportunity, and that is now nationwide across our country and in Whitman County,” Pillers said.

For anyone who wants to learn more about these resources, and how to help their neighbors and loved ones in a crisis, the Whitman County Suicide Task force has been passing out a wallet-size course printed for QPR, and can be emailed at [email protected].

“There is help, ways to build resiliency and ways to reach out,” Pillers said.