Neighboring community offers support to Silver Valley

ST. MARIES — The Greek poet Hesoid once said, “a bad neighbor is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing.”

Idaho has long struggled with suicide education, prevention and awareness, specifically in the five northern counties.

Shoshone County does have some resources available, but our neighbors to the southwest want us to know that they are here for us.

SPAN of Benewah County is a group of concerned citizens, organizations and survivors who are committed to creating awareness and providing support for those affected by mental health and suicide.

SPAN is an acronym that stands for suicide, prevention, awareness, network and is a group that works directly within their community, as well as branching out to their neighboring communities when they feel like they can be an asset.

Much like Shoshone County’s SAVE Coalition, SPAN is a group of QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Training certified individuals who work toward the goal of lowering Idaho's suicide numbers.

Shoshone County has suffered two recent teen deaths by suicide, and representatives from SPAN want Silver Valley residents to know that they are here for them.

“They may not know that there are resources available for them in St. Maries,” an anonymous SPAN representative told the News-Press. “Obviously Kellogg is our school rival, but when tragedy strikes those rivalries go away and we come together and take care of each other. It’s a very real issue nationwide, but the numbers in Idaho are staggering.”

The St. Maries-based group is hosting its 2nd Be The Light walk, run, or jog, through downtown St. Maries in remembrance of those lost to the completion of suicide and would like to invite Shoshone County residents to participate as well.

"Kellogg is near to my heart," Amanda Beckner with SPAN said. "My brother was a teacher, coach and principal over there for a number of years."

Beckner's brother, Troy Schueller, unexpectedly took his own life on March 21, 2018.

Stressing the main goal of reaching the families that have been affected, the walk is a fundraiser for the group that benefit the Benewah County Suicide Prevention Action Network.

The 3K Be The Light walk begins at the Cormana Building on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.

Registration is now open at eventbrite.com, the walk is free, but event T-shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased.