About Us

Leadership for Suicide Prevention in Idaho

SPAN Idaho was the first state of the National Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA). SPAN USA is a suicide prevention organization founded in 1996, whose goal is coordinating and building political will to develop and implement national suicide prevention programs. A group of interested citizens organized and established an Idaho chapter in June 2002. SPAN Idaho was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in July 2002.

Our mission is to provide leadership for suicide prevention in Idaho. Our major objective has been the development and implementation of a Suicide Prevention Plan for Idaho. The Idaho Suicide Prevention Plan was developed and officially released in 2004 and SPAN Idaho is actively engaged in implementing key elements of the plan.

Idaho has consistently been among the top ten states with the highest suicide rates in the nation. Suicide is a complex and difficult problem and solutions developed in other parts of the country may not address Idaho's needs. We continue working with the citizens and communities across the state to develop and implement strategies to reduce suicide and suicidal behavior.
A Brief History of SPAN Idaho

In 2002, a small group of professionals working with the Adolescent Suicide Task Force and Idaho Suicide Prevention Services, wishing to establish a formal organization, decided to affiliate with the national network. An official board was formed, bylaws and articles of incorporation written and SPAN Idaho was born. In 2003, SPAN Idaho established partnerships and assisted in developing funding options for the development of the State Plan. Idaho’s Suicide Prevention Plan was completed and formally released at the November 2003 SPAN conference. 2003 also saw the development of the first SPAN Idaho regional chapter in Lewiston. Three other regional chapters were formed between 2004 and 2006.

SPAN Idaho hired its first staff members in 2004 to begin implementation of the plan and held its fourth annual suicide prevention conference in Boise. In 2005, SPAN Idaho continued implementation of the state plan and held its fifth annual conference. In 2006, SPAN Idaho produced and distributed the SPAN Idaho Suicide Prevention Tool Kit and played a major role in the establishment and support of the Governor-appointed Idaho Council on Suicide Prevention. SPAN Idaho also held its sixth annual statewide suicide prevention conference. In 2007, SPAN Idaho conducted statewide prevention and post-vention trainings for clergy in eight locations around the state. The SPAN Idaho regional chapters held suicide prevention conferences in Twin Falls, Lewiston and Idaho Falls in 2007. In 2008, the annual statewide suicide prevention conference was held at the College of Idaho in Caldwell.

SPAN USA

Suicide Prevention Action Network-USA is best defined by what it does. In its own words, "working hard to reduce the number of completed suicides in this country."

The organization has a grass roots origin and approach. It was started in 1996 by Jerry and Elsie Weyrauch after the loss of their daughter, a physician, through suicide. One of the important appeals of SPAN USA is its emphasis on survivor support and involvement, and a mission to provide a simple, accessible way for survivors to become involved in helping others.

SPAN Idaho, is proud to be the first state chapter to join the national network. We share the vision of saving lives by developing a state network and recruiting members and resources. In 2009, SPAN USA merged with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

SPAN Idaho Board of Directors