Crisis resource available in Shoshone County

A new resource aims to add another resource in the fight against suicide in Shoshone County.  

Benchmark Human Services, through a collaboration with the National Suicide Hotline, will now be providing crisis services and counseling, free of charge, to anyone in need.  

Benchmark Human Service (BHS) is a community service company that operates in 18 states throughout the nation, helping people navigate intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, employment, crisis response, recovery, children’s services, and day services. 

Tess Reasor, a mobile crisis responder with BHS, was excited to announce the group’s expansion into Shoshone County and explained how the group will be operating.  

“We're connected to the National Suicide Hotline but I work as a mobile crisis responder, so we go out to the individual in crisis when the 988 crisis counselors are unable to deescalate over the phone,” Reasor said. “Our mobile crisis responders go out in teams of two to the individual in crisis and will work with the person to deescalate and stabilize in the community with support and providing Community Resources, creating a safety plan with referrals that may be needed and a 24-hour follow-up. If there is a need for a higher level of care, we work closely with law enforcement and hospitals to get the individual the care that they need.”  

The service will be available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., but in July they plan to expand their service to 24 hours.  

BHS has two offices in Idaho, in Boise and Coeur d’Alene. The Coeur d’Alene office has six crisis responders but is in the process of hiring more. 

According to the most recent data, Idaho has the sixth highest suicide rate in the country, with Shoshone County ranking in the top five for suicide rate in Idaho, demonstrating a huge need for services like those provided by BHS.  

The collaboration between BHS and the National Suicide Hotline prevents people from having to call a separate number if they’re experiencing a mental health crisis.  

“The person experiencing the crisis or a third party can call 988 and talk to the counselor over the phone. The crisis counselor then creates the dispatch to have a mobile crisis responder respond to the calls when needed,” Reasor explained.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or facing a mental health crisis, please call the National Suicide Hotline on 988 for support.