COEUR d'ALENE - Access to guns, less access to effective, affordable mental health care and a culture of rugged individualism.

Studies say those three factors play a big part in why Idaho, along with its neighbors, is among the states with the highest suicide rate per capita.

"We pretend like it doesn't exist," said Catherine Perusse, Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) Region 1 chair. "Suicide is the last big stigma out there."

Idaho ranked fourth in the nation in 2009 for suicides per capita, according to the latest figures released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

That figure is way too high for Perusse, who became involved in SPAN's local chapter nearly nine years ago after her youngest son took his own life while serving in the military and stationed in Iraq.

It was the second son she lost to suicide. Her oldest took his life roughly 14 years ago.

"After my youngest son died, that's when I decided something had to be done," the Sandpoint mother said. "I couldn't sit and let another family go through what I'd gone through."

But as Idaho's unfavorable ranking climbs, participation in the local chapter focused on suicide prevention has waned.

To combat the fall, the mostly-volunteer group is hosting a meeting Thursday to tackle suicide prevention and awareness for people interested in trying to affect the state's statistics.

Educational steps, like recognizing symptoms, can save a life.

"This is the first time I've ever seen us in the top 5," said Kim Kane, SPAN executive director, who will be speaking at the meeting.

She said there needs to be "an awareness of what's going on in our state and an awareness of what can be done."

Idaho's suicide rate is 19.9 deaths per 100,000 population, according to CDC's 2009 ranking, the most recent national list.

Idaho is generally in the top 10 in the rankings, as are other less populated, mountain states like Wyoming, Montana and Alaska. Studies indicate those states tend to have a higher percentage of households with guns, less access to affordable mental health treatment and a rugged culture associated with the outdoors that may prevent people from seeking help from feeling inadequate or weak.

In 2010 Idaho's rate fell to 18.5, but national figures haven't been ranked to see where that places it.

For Perusse, trying to expand the local group's reach, she knows the effects firsthand, something she doesn't want other families to have to experience.

"The ripple effect of a suicide is far reaching," Perusse said. "Everyone wonders if there was something they could have done."

The meeting begins at noon at the Harding Center, room 107, 411 N. 15th in Coeur d'Alene.

A light lunch will be served. Those interested should RSVP to spanidaho@gmail.com or call (208) 860-1703.

Friday, the group is presenting Dr. Shawn Shea, author of several books and articles in the field of suicide prevention, for a training seminar at the Kroc Community Center. Tickets cost $99.