ASIST Trainers Conference

If you have not yet registered for the ASIST Trainers Conference please do so as soon as you can. The slots are filling very quickly. You can register on line at www.theplanningcouncil.org/asist.htm

This conference will be a fun learning environment for all attending. If you are an ASIST X trainer and want to learn more about conducting an ASIST, join us!

Beacon of Hope Conference-October 16-17, 25

Depression is treatable, Suicide is NOT.

October 16 & 17 at Regent University, Robertson Hall Library, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23468

October 16 FREE TO THE PUBLIC
Doors Open at 6:15 PM; Speaker/Panel 6:45 – 9:00 PM

•Suicide: Everything You Need To Know and Things You Can Do To Help Prevent It
Lanny Berman, Ph.D. – Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology

•Open Community Forum and Panel Discussion – Come and join us! Ask tough questions to a panel of leading educators, mental health professionals, community leaders, emergency responders and survivors.

October 17 ($75) Doors open at 7:30 AM
Speakers/Seminars 8:30 AM –3:30 PM

October 25 Beacon of Hope 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:00 AM and
($15 5-K Run/Walk) One-mile Fun Walk/Run starts at 9:45 AM
($10 Fun Walk/Run) at Fort Story, Virginia Beach, VA (Atlantic Avenue entrance)

To learn more & register online go to www.ineedalighthouse.org
...from Kathy Wakefield, I Need a Lighthouse

ASIST Trainers Conference-October

The link is up to register for the ASIST Trainers Conference, October 20-22, 2008. If you are an ASIST X Trainer and are interested in rolling up your sleeves, polishing off your skills and having some fun, click the link to find out more about the conference and to register.

In order to keep this an interactive and intimate learning environment, we are limited to only 25 trainers this year. Please!!!! Register early!!http://www.theplanningcouncil.org/asist.htm

safeTALK, September 26th

safeTALK
Learn to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources.
Date: Friday, September 26, 2008
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Place: Woodbridge, VA 22192
Calvin Nunnally, the Suicide Prevention Manager for the Virginia Department of Health's Center for Injury and Violence Prevention, will engage participants in the safeTALK training. This training prepares you to be a suicide alert helper by following the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe).

Hear about how talking about suicide can increase suicide safety. Learn some great techniques that may help you save a life.

Registration is required for this training. Space and materials are limited. To register call Heather Martinsen-Hill at 703-792-7739 or email HMartinsen@pwcgov.org. Please give your name, organization, and a phone number where you can be reached.

CrisisLinks Volunteer Training Class Starts October 18th

CrisisLink's Hotline Volunteer Training Class Begins Saturday, October 18! Are you looking for meaningful experience as a volunteer? CrisisLink's nationally recognized Volunteer Hotline Listener training program will begin its Fall Hotline Training Class on October 18. For more information and a detailed training schedule, please click here.

Medicare Changes

Medicare Changes to Cover More Mental Health Services
Recent changes to Medicare will increase the amount of patient copayments that the program covers for mental health services. Over the next six years, the amount will increase so that it is the same as the rate for other medical outpatient services. For more information, visit: www.prevent.org or www.mentalhealthamerica.com.
...from SPRC: The Weekly Spark