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Suicide Awareness and Prevention at ISU

In honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks with Rick Pongratz, Ph.D., LPC, Licensed Psychologist, and Director of the Pocatello Counseling and Mental Health Center (PCMHC) about suicide awareness and prevention.

In this episode, Dean Kandi Turley-Ames sits down with Dr. Rick Pongratz, a licensed psychologist and director of the PCMHC, to discuss suicide awareness and prevention efforts on campus. They delve into the mental health challenges faced by students and the resources available to the Idaho State University community to support those in need. Dr. Pongratz shares insights into identifying warning signs, how students can seek help, and the importance of building a supportive environment on campus.

September was first recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, it has become a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness about the issue, and connect individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts with treatment services. This month serves to promote education and prevention efforts across communities.

Kandi Turley-Ames began her journey at Idaho State University by graduating from ISU with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1990 and a Master of Science in Psychology in 1993. She completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at Washington State University in 1996. She is a graduate of the Higher Education Resource Service for women in higher education administration. Her academic area of expertise includes memory and cognition. She has published numerous papers with colleagues and students on how strategies impact memory and higher cognitive abilities.