From left are three UNM medical students, who graduated from Grant County schools'Megan McClean, Peter Holguin and Alexandra Edwards.

When most of us think about pie, we think of a delicious dessert to accompany our dinner. For three University of New Mexico second-year medical students doing their rural rotation in Silver City, the word PIE has a whole different meaning. PIE stands for practical immersion experience and it is a clinical rotation that all UNM School of Medicine students participate in the summer after their first year.

PIE is an opportunity for students to learn and immerse themselves in various clinics for six weeks all over New Mexico. For Megan McClean, Peter Holguin and Alexandra Edwards, Silver City is more than another small town in New Mexico. Alexandra and Peter both graduated from Silver High School, while Megan attended Cobre High School. After learning about the opportunity to return to Silver City for PIE, they seized the opportunity.

One of the PIE requirements is a project that challenges students to identify a health-related issue facing the community and to come up with possible solutions regarding the identified issue. Ali, Peter, and Megan decided to address some of the mental health issues in Grant County.

After learning of the string of alleged suicides that occurred last February in Grant County, the students decided that increased mental health awareness would benefit the wellbeing of the community. In particular the students wanted to address mental illness that puts people at increased risk for suicide. Together, they have come up with a radio ad, flyers and posters, which will be displayed in various clinics, schools, and public areas around town.

GǣWe really want to be able to help educate the community about mental health and what resources are out there to help people," Edwards said. "After doing some research, in 2014, we discovered 17.9% of the population felt depressed for all or some of the month in which information was gathered. In 2011, 19.8% of public high school students thought about committing suicide. That statistic is higher than the statewide percentage of 16.7%. Between the years of 2012-2014 ,18.8% of people in Grant County had doctor-diagnosed depression, but we know that there are more people that are not seeking help. If we can help decrease the stigma associated with mental illness and inform the community about some of the ways mental illness affects the community, we hope to create a greater dialogue and movement to bring about lasting change .Gǥ

There is still a lot of work to be done in the community but these students are on a mission to make a difference.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, a mental health crisis, or having suicidal thoughts, speak to your primary care provider or seek emergency medical care at an emergency department.

The toll-free 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. The NM Crisis and Access line is available at 1-855-NMCrisis (662-7474).