At Cultivating Solutions, we understand that resilience is crucial for the health and safety of our rural Oregon communities, particularly regarding mental health. As a voting member of the Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide, we are actively engaged in a statewide effort to end suicide through effective public policy and community-based interventions. Our executive director serves as a Co-Chair of the Lethal Means subcommittee, which focuses on creating safety measures where lethal means, such as firearms and substances, are present.
Our approach is grounded in evidence-based solutions that prioritize the needs of everyday Oregonians. Through conducting focus groups and interviews, we engage directly with those who are at risk or in need of help. This grassroots involvement allows us to tailor interventions effectively and ensure that the voices of our community members are heard in the development of suicide prevention strategies.
Cultivating Solutions and the Alliance operate under a Hope, Help, and Healing framework that embodies our commitment to mental health:
The Oregon Alliance is a diverse coalition comprising community members, family survivors, individuals with lived experience, subject matter experts, youth, and stakeholders from various backgrounds. Appointed by the Oregon Health Authority, our members bring a wealth of knowledge and perspectives to the table. Staffed by the Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs, the full Alliance meets quarterly and it’s seven work committees and one advisory group meet regularly to focus on targeted areas of suicide prevention, intervention, and post-vention.
Our mission is clear: to advocate for and strengthen Oregon’s suicide prevention policies, services, and supports to save lives, particularly among youth and young adults. We envision a future in which all young people in Oregon have hope, feel safe seeking help, and can access the right resources at the right time. We strive to create communities that foster healing, connection, and wellness.
The numbers of suicides in Oregon, especially in our rural and frontier communities, is staggering. Even among typically low-risk demographics, the rate of suicide in Oregon is surging. The data shows that rural women, youth, and veterans are dying at alarming rate and that . At Cultivating Solutions, we believe that by working together, we can build a resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and feel supported, which will lead to fewer suicides. We want all Oregonians to live full and happy lives, and we’re here to help make it happen.