Suicide Prevention of the Inland Northwest (SPIN) is a nonprofit organization working to reduce suicide and promote mental wellbeing through education, awareness, and stigma reduction. We serve communities across nine counties in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, with a focus on connection, prevention, and practical tools that help people support one another before a crisis occurs.
SPIN believes suicide prevention is a community responsibility, not something left only to clinicians or emergency responders. Our work centers on education, relationship-building, and strengthening protective factors that help people feel seen, supported, and valued.
Since forming in 2019, SPIN has partnered with schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, tribal organizations, first responders, faith communities, and local leaders to bring evidence-based suicide prevention programming to both rural and urban communities. Our approach is grounded in compassion, lived experience, and research-supported best practices.
What We Do
SPIN provides community education and outreach designed to prevent suicide and reduce stigma around mental health. Our programs include:
- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, an evidence-based suicide prevention program that teaches people how to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, and connect others to help
- My Ascension screenings, a powerful youth-focused film and discussion series that encourages conversation, hope, and help-seeking
- Fresh Check Day events on college campuses that promote mental health, peer connection, and access to resources
- Annual suicide prevention conferences and workshops for professionals, caregivers, and community members
- Community outreach and awareness campaigns, including 988 Crisis Lifeline education and stigma-reduction efforts
SPIN is not a crisis response or clinical organization. Instead, we focus on prevention—helping communities build the knowledge, confidence, and connections that reduce risk long before someone reaches a breaking point.
Why Prevention Matters
Many people who struggle with suicidal thoughts never seek professional help—but they do interact with friends, coworkers, teachers, family members, and neighbors. By equipping everyday people with education and tools, SPIN helps create safer environments where warning signs are recognized earlier and support is more accessible.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission: To decrease suicide and promote mental wellbeing through education, awareness, and stigma reduction.
Vision: A community empowered by understanding and compassion, where mental health is embraced and lives are nurtured.
Our Impact
SPIN’s work reaches thousands of people each year through trainings, events, and partnerships. By expanding education across schools, workplaces, and communities, we help normalize conversations about mental health and connect people to support when it matters most.
