SPAN Idaho Region 2 Chapter - SPAN Idaho North Central Chapter

Leadership

Chapter Chairperson
Maggi Alsager, RN, BSBA
1302 Vineyard Dr
Lewiston, ID 83501
Maggi.alsager@itd.idaho.gov

History
The SPAN Idaho North Central Chapter was organized and began regular meetings in February 2004. Twenty-five people from around Region II met on February 24, 2004 and officially formed the region’s SPAN committee. They discussed the Idaho Suicide Prevention Plan, elected officers and chose committee chairs that coincide with SPAN Idaho’s committees. Annette Byington was selected as the first Region II Chair and Maggi Alsager was chosen as Region Secretary. Annette works for Lewiston’s YWCA as volunteer coordinator and Maggi is nursing supervisor for the North Central District Health Department. Attendees at the first meeting were very enthusiastic and energized to work toward preventing suicide and providing support for survivors in the Region.

Early in 2004, Cliff Barnes, the Resource Development Chair went to work right away to hold a fund raising/public relations event. At the Region’s March 2004 meeting, the separate committees conducted initial planning and goal setting and the group was off and running.

Activities
The Chapter has held annual suicide memorial walks in remembrance of those lost to suicide each April since 2005. In September 2007, the Chapter held an informative and extremely well-attended suicide prevention conference at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. In April 2008, the North Central Chapter recognized suicide prevention month by presenting “Suicide in the Veteran Population, Risk and Prevention” given by speaker Carolyn Thomas, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Veteran’s Administration.

Regular meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Community Action, 124 New Sixth Street in Lewiston.

The Region 2 Cottonwood group meets regularly on the 1st Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital, Basement Conference Room. Contact Dean for more information at 208-790-4418.