Life Preserver

Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by Brenda

Just by having conversations with friends and neighbors about how people can have times of extreme distress and the different ways available to access help, you will be making a difference. The more we as a community talk about suicide and other mental health issues, we can reduce the stigma associated with getting help.

Asking For Help is Hard! Ask yourself who would you tell if you were thinking of suicide? It is hard to know who you would want to tell and trust. This is why the cards in the Life Preserver Program are important. They can do the talking for anyone in distress.

QCHC Life Preserver Program

The Quay County Health Council has created “Stay Afloat Cards.” Community members are working to help us pass them out to their neighbors, family and friends.

You can help by contacting us for cards or picking up cards at one of these locations. Share cards with people you know.

  • Tucumcari Public Library
  • St Vincent De Paul
  • Ministry of Hope
  • Western Plains Title and Escrow
  • Mesalands Library

Contact us if you would like us to present the program to your group.

You Can Help By

Asking someone you think is struggling if they are thinking of harming themselves or committing suicide.

Give them your full attention and show them you care as they answer the question.

Listen to their story and do not try to solve their problem.

Connect them with professional help by helping them call #988 or a local counselor.

If you receive a card from someone asking for help, turn the card over to the side with “Throw a Line”. There is information on how to help.

Another Way You Can Help

Myths about Suicide

  • Myth: Talking about suicide will increase the chance a person will act on it. Fact: Talking about it will reduce the stigma and encourage seeking help.
  • Myth: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention. Fact: Talking about suicide means they actually considered it at one time.
  • Myth: Suicide can’t be prevented. Fact: Having suicidal thoughts occurs for only a short time and with help may not ever come back.
  • Myth: People who take their own lives are selfish and weak. Fact: It takes strength to follow through with suicidal plans.
  • Myth: Barriers on bridges, safe firearm storage and other actions to reduce access to lethal methods of suicide don’t work. Fact: These barriers can provide enough time for a person to get past these thoughts and not follow up on them.
  • Myth: Suicide always occurs without warning. Fact: There are signs, if we are paying attention.
  • Myth: Treatment and medication don’t work. Fact: There is treatment that will work.

The data shows the need for us to work on suicide prevention. The good news is that the rate has fallen over the last year.

  • New Mexico has the 5th highest rate of suicide among all the U.S. states with an average 9 suicides per week.
  • Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for those aged 5 -17 in New Mexico.
  • Suicide affects all demographic groups and has lasting impact on the family and in the community.
  • In Quay County our 2025 Suicide rate according to County Health Rankings is 41 per 100,000
  • NM IBIS shares that from 2019 – 2023 the rate was 36 per 100,000. 

Warning Signs of Suicide

  • Talking about wanting to die
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself
  • Talking about feeling hopeless
  • Talking about feeling trapped
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious, agitated or reckless
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
  • Giving cherished/treasured items away
  • Acting out of character

Resources to Connect People To

988 is a National Wide Hotline for anyone facing a Mental Health or Substance Use Crisis.

Just push 988 on your phone and you will be able to talk to a mental health professional.

You can also text 988 and text with a professional.

This hotline is in New Mexico and will link you to a mental health professional.

Another option is to take them to Nurstead’s Drop In Center. There is one in Portales and Clovis. We are excited to announce a new one opening here in Tucumcari on the Corner of Center and Adams Street.

If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves and you do not think a phone call is enough help, accompany them to the Emergency Room at Dan C Trigg Hospital. They will receive a professional assessment. Working together plans can be made for safety and other follow up assistance. If necessary, placement for temporary care and stabilization can be arranged.