TWIN FALLS, Idaho — A local nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health awareness brought together community members, survivors, and advocates for its second annual suicide prevention rally in Twin Falls, continuing efforts to reduce stigma and connect residents with available resources across Magic Valley.
Choose 2 Stay, a Twin Falls-based organization focused on suicide prevention and mental health outreach, hosted the event as part of its ongoing mission to address one of Idaho’s most pressing public health concerns. The rally drew participants from across Twin Falls County and the broader Magic Valley region, reflecting growing community engagement around the issue.
A Growing Community Response
The rally marks the second consecutive year that Choose 2 Stay has organized a large-scale public gathering centered on suicide prevention in Twin Falls. The event format is designed to bring visibility to an issue that often goes unaddressed in public conversation, while also providing attendees with information about local and statewide mental health resources.
Idaho consistently ranks among states with elevated suicide rates, a fact that makes community-driven efforts like those undertaken by Choose 2 Stay particularly significant for residents of Twin Falls County. Rural communities across Magic Valley, including those in Buhl, Filer, Kimberly, Hansen, and Castleford, often face barriers to accessing mental health services, including distance from providers, limited availability of specialists, and the financial costs associated with care.
Organizations like Choose 2 Stay aim to bridge some of those gaps by raising awareness at the local level, ensuring that residents know where to turn when they or someone they know is struggling. Public rallies serve as a visible reminder that mental health is a community-wide concern and that resources exist for those in need.
Mental Health Resources in Twin Falls County
Twin Falls County residents have access to several mental health services, including providers affiliated with St. Luke’s Magic Valley, one of the region’s primary healthcare systems. The College of Southern Idaho also offers counseling and support services to students navigating mental health challenges on campus.
Statewide, Idaho has made incremental investments in behavioral health infrastructure in recent years, though advocates and service providers continue to call attention to gaps in coverage, particularly in rural areas. The expansion of telehealth services following the COVID-19 pandemic has helped extend the reach of mental health care to some underserved communities in Twin Falls County and across the state.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the national three-digit mental health crisis number launched in 2022, remains one of the most accessible resources for Idahoans experiencing a mental health emergency. The line connects callers to trained crisis counselors and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more on statewide mental health policy and related legislation, readers can visit Idaho News for comprehensive coverage of Idaho state government and health policy, or Idaho News Network for regional reporting from across the state.
The Role of Local Organizations
Grassroots organizations play a central role in mental health outreach in communities across Twin Falls County. Unlike large institutional providers, local nonprofits are often able to reach residents in a more personal, direct way — meeting people in familiar community settings and building trust over time.
Choose 2 Stay’s continued presence in the Twin Falls community, now marked by two consecutive annual rallies, reflects a sustained commitment to keeping the conversation about mental health visible and accessible. Events of this nature also help connect residents who may be isolated in their struggles with a broader network of support.
Community members who are interested in getting involved with Choose 2 Stay or learning more about mental health resources in Twin Falls County are encouraged to reach out to local organizations directly or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
What Comes Next
Choose 2 Stay is expected to continue its outreach programming in Twin Falls and across Magic Valley in the months ahead. Community members seeking mental health resources in Twin Falls County can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by call or text at any time. Local organizations and healthcare providers, including those affiliated with St. Luke’s Magic Valley and the College of Southern Idaho, also offer support services to residents throughout the region. Twin Falls County News will continue to report on mental health initiatives and community events across Magic Valley.