Idaho
idapostille.Com

"It has hit me close to home," said Amanda Wester, a Boise resident with two close friends who've tried committing suicide.

Many Idahoans have had similar experiences - or worse.

According to the Suicide Prevention Action Network, Idaho has the 11th highest suicide rate in the country. In the Boise area alone, someone commits suicide about every six days.

Wester and her mother wanted to do something about the sobering statistics. They decided they could help by raising money for the recently-announced Idaho Suicide Prevention Crisis Hotline.

They contacted Arby's and set something up through the "Links of Love" program - all weeks before hearing the tragic news someone had taken their life in a Boise Arby's restroom.

"I think it's sad," said Laura Wester, Amanda's mother. "I think that if people knew about the resources that are available in Idaho, that we could make a bigger difference."

So, they laid out brochures to build awareness Saturday and if customers mentioned the cause, their meals meant more money for the suicide crisis hotline via the Speedy Foundation. They say the hotline needs $220,000 to function for two years.

Mayor Dave Bieter announced the future Idaho suicide hotline Sep. 21, but many hadn't heard about it or the fundraiser, when they walked into the Arby's on Milwaukee Saturday.

The Wester's say they were slightly disappointed about how little they were able to raise. They are planning to try again Nov. 12. They say they hope to have that fundraiser go from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at all the Boise Arby's locations.

Until then, people interested can go to thespeedyfoundation.org and donate to the Idaho Suicide Prevention Crisis Hotline.

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