I am now the local organizer for the Lifekeeper's Quilt for Virginia. I hope that you will join with me in this effort and honor the memory or our loved one by crafting a quilt square for Virginia's new AFSP Lifekeeper Memory Quilt.
This quilt will be publicly displayed at local and national events to put a human face on the tragedy of suicide and the devastating toll it has taken on our community. As each square is stitched together with others, we will also be reminded that none of us are alone - there are thousands of others who also feel the pain and loneliness of losing a loved one to suicide. You can find out more about the Lifekeeper's Quilt at www.afsp.org/quilts.
Crafting a quilt square is easy to do - no sewing is required. To get started, contact Christy Letsom, 757-622-9268 ext 3041 or email me cletsom@theplanningcouncil.org.
Thank you for sharing your story. Together, we show that behind the statistics are the stories and memories of those we loved so dearly.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Gatekeeper Training Simulation Increases Likelihood Teacher will Act
Gatekeeper Training Simulation Increases Likelihood that Teachers Will Act to Prevent Youth Suicide
A national study among over 300 high school teachers across the U.S. reveals that completing a new online, interactive gatekeeper training simulation results in statistically significant gains in the likelihood that a teacher will intervene with a student exhibiting signs of depression and suicidal ideation.
Unlike any other gatekeeper training, At-Risk for High School Educators engages learners in simulated conversations with student avatars that are fully animated and emotionally responsive.
The study analyzed the results of surveys taken by 327 teachers who completed the training simulation, versus teachers in a control group who did not. Additional findings strongly suggest that the training simulation significantly increases:
1. Teachers' ability to identify, approach, and refer at-risk students; and
2. Teachers' confidence in their ability to help a suicidal student
Click here to download a complete report of the study.
Launched in September 2010, the At-Risk for High School Educators program has been adopted by Texas and New York to provide training to more than 70,000 high school educators. More information about this program is available at www.kognito.com/atrisk.
If you are interested in learning more about the study or Kognito's suite of gatekeeper training simulations for teachers, students, families of returning veterans, and medical personnel please contact us at 212-675-9234 or info@kognito.com.
A national study among over 300 high school teachers across the U.S. reveals that completing a new online, interactive gatekeeper training simulation results in statistically significant gains in the likelihood that a teacher will intervene with a student exhibiting signs of depression and suicidal ideation.
Unlike any other gatekeeper training, At-Risk for High School Educators engages learners in simulated conversations with student avatars that are fully animated and emotionally responsive.
The study analyzed the results of surveys taken by 327 teachers who completed the training simulation, versus teachers in a control group who did not. Additional findings strongly suggest that the training simulation significantly increases:
1. Teachers' ability to identify, approach, and refer at-risk students; and
2. Teachers' confidence in their ability to help a suicidal student
Click here to download a complete report of the study.
Launched in September 2010, the At-Risk for High School Educators program has been adopted by Texas and New York to provide training to more than 70,000 high school educators. More information about this program is available at www.kognito.com/atrisk.
If you are interested in learning more about the study or Kognito's suite of gatekeeper training simulations for teachers, students, families of returning veterans, and medical personnel please contact us at 212-675-9234 or info@kognito.com.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Public Speaking for VA Survivors of Suicide
The Virginia Department of Health, in partnership with NAMI New Hampshire will be offering a two day training for survivors of suicide loss who are interested in learning how to tell their story safely to friends, to various audiences, and to the media. Suicide survivors (those who have lost a loved one to suicide) play an important role in increasing awareness about suicide. By speaking about their personal loss and telling the story about their loved one’s life and death, survivors can promote healing and understanding, which in turn supports and encourages suicide prevention efforts. Suicide is a very complex issue and a great deal of research has been done about how to talk about suicide in a safe manner and in a way that will not increase the risk for those who are vulnerable. This two-day training assists speakers in honing a message that tells their story in a safe and effective manner.
Survivors who complete the training are certainly not required to tell their story publicly after the training, but most do go on to speak at local suicide postvention trainings, suicide prevention conferences, and local venues such as rotary, their church, legislative committees, etc. The training was developed by NAMI NH and is part of their Connect Suicide Prevention Project, which is listed on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practice Registry.
It is suggested that survivors be at least two years from their loss before attending; however, some survivors are ready earlier and should feel free to talk with us if you would like to attend.
The training is conducted over the course of two days and you will be asked to commit to both training days. The first day of the training will focus on the basics of public speaking, issues to be aware of around speaking about suicide, safe messaging, honing your message for particular audiences/media, and composing your personal story. The second day of the training will give you an opportunity to share your presentation, evaluate yourself, get feedback from the group, discuss how to be responsive to your audience, and review possible responses to difficult questions. There will be a homework assignment for the night of day one.
When: February 22 -23, 2011
Time: 9-4pm both days
Where: Richmond, VA (exact location TBA)
The training is free of charge to participants and is made possible through funding from SAMHSA.
The training is limited to 8 participants. Go here to register, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/survivortraining For questions, please contact Christina Benton at christina.benton@vdh.virginia.gov or 804-864-7736.
Survivors who complete the training are certainly not required to tell their story publicly after the training, but most do go on to speak at local suicide postvention trainings, suicide prevention conferences, and local venues such as rotary, their church, legislative committees, etc. The training was developed by NAMI NH and is part of their Connect Suicide Prevention Project, which is listed on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practice Registry.
It is suggested that survivors be at least two years from their loss before attending; however, some survivors are ready earlier and should feel free to talk with us if you would like to attend.
The training is conducted over the course of two days and you will be asked to commit to both training days. The first day of the training will focus on the basics of public speaking, issues to be aware of around speaking about suicide, safe messaging, honing your message for particular audiences/media, and composing your personal story. The second day of the training will give you an opportunity to share your presentation, evaluate yourself, get feedback from the group, discuss how to be responsive to your audience, and review possible responses to difficult questions. There will be a homework assignment for the night of day one.
When: February 22 -23, 2011
Time: 9-4pm both days
Where: Richmond, VA (exact location TBA)
The training is free of charge to participants and is made possible through funding from SAMHSA.
The training is limited to 8 participants. Go here to register, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/survivortraining For questions, please contact Christina Benton at christina.benton@vdh.virginia.gov or 804-864-7736.
Suicide Prevention Training for Mental Health Clinicians
Most mental health clinicians have had little or no formal training in assessing suicide risk, yet they are often called upon to do so. Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Clinicians (RRSR) has been developed by the American Association of Suicidology specifically to fill this training gap. RRSR is an advanced, interactive training based on established core competencies that mental health professionals need in order to effectively assess and manage suicide risk in their patients. The program has several components, including a web-based assessment; two on-line, self-paced modules; a two-day face-to-face workshop; and post-workshop mentorship through on-line learning activities.
RRSR is appropriate for any mental health clinicians working with patients on an ongoing basis. Participants can include licensed private counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, addiction counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and pastoral counselors.
Additional information about RRSR is available at http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/education-and-training/rrsr
The Virginia Department of Health will host 4 RRSR trainings in 2011. This training is for all mental health professionals, regardless of your place of work. Through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) each training will be offered at no cost to 40 participants; the training is typically valued at $250. All training materials will be provided.
Continuing Education Credits are available for physicians/psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and psychologist. Additional information about CEUs will be provided to registered participants prior to the training date.
The training will be from 8:30-4:45 both days. One hour will be given for lunch; meals will be "on your own".
Because of the demand for seats, please register only if you are able to attend the full two days, and are not 'on-call' for other duties during that time.
2010 Training Dates, Locations, and Registration:
February 28- March 1, 2011
Richmond, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRRichmond
April 12-13, 2011
Ashburn, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRNOVA
May 2-3, 2011
Virginia Beach, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRVABeach
September 19-20, 2011
Lynchburg, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRLynchburg
RRSR is appropriate for any mental health clinicians working with patients on an ongoing basis. Participants can include licensed private counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, addiction counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and pastoral counselors.
Additional information about RRSR is available at http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/education-and-training/rrsr
The Virginia Department of Health will host 4 RRSR trainings in 2011. This training is for all mental health professionals, regardless of your place of work. Through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) each training will be offered at no cost to 40 participants; the training is typically valued at $250. All training materials will be provided.
Continuing Education Credits are available for physicians/psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and psychologist. Additional information about CEUs will be provided to registered participants prior to the training date.
The training will be from 8:30-4:45 both days. One hour will be given for lunch; meals will be "on your own".
Because of the demand for seats, please register only if you are able to attend the full two days, and are not 'on-call' for other duties during that time.
2010 Training Dates, Locations, and Registration:
February 28- March 1, 2011
Richmond, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRRichmond
April 12-13, 2011
Ashburn, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRNOVA
May 2-3, 2011
Virginia Beach, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRVABeach
September 19-20, 2011
Lynchburg, VA
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRLynchburg
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Free Community Forum September 9th
Free Community Forum
What is the situation in Virginia? What are the prevention efforts? Join us in an evening dedicated to education and sharing!
• Learn from our diverse group of panelists!
• Question and Answer session!
When: Thursday, Sept 9th 2010 6pm - 8pm
Where: VCU Student Commons, Virginia Room C & D
Cost: FREE
What is the situation in Virginia? What are the prevention efforts? Join us in an evening dedicated to education and sharing!
• Learn from our diverse group of panelists!
• Question and Answer session!
When: Thursday, Sept 9th 2010 6pm - 8pm
Where: VCU Student Commons, Virginia Room C & D
Cost: FREE
Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide among Older Adults
Presenters: Chris Miara, M.S., Director of Training and Administration, SPRC
Rosalyn Blogier, LCSW-C, Public Health Advisor, SAMHSA
Yeates Conwell, M.D., Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester
When: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 3:00 PM-4:30 PM Eastern Time
Brief description: Older adults die by suicide at a higher rate than the national average. Every year, more than 5,000 Americans over the age of 65 die by suicide, a death toll that is largely preventable. Elderly white men have the highest rate of suicide of all demographic groups in the U.S. Although suicide rates of older Americans have been slowly declining for many years, older men and women of every race continue to die by suicide, and the need for prevention is urgent. This webinar reviews the research associated with suicide among older adults, including risk and protective factors and effective suicide prevention strategies. In addition, this webinar will specifically address the issue of suicide risk and prevention in the context of community programs and residential facilities.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Describe the scope of the problem, including risk and protective factors related to suicide among older adults
2. Summarize research findings regarding effective suicide prevention strategies for this population.
3. Report the key findings from focus groups and interviews with senior living center staff regarding their knowledge, attitudes and practices related to mental health promotion and suicide prevention.
4. Access a new toolkit funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration titled "Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide in Senior Living Communities.”
Additional resources to be referenced during the webinar:
Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior Living Communities
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA10-4515
Register online
Space is limited. Please register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/212444497
After you register, you will receive an e-mail containing information about how to participate in the webinar via the phone and internet. If you have any questions about your registration, please contact Tiffany Kim, SPRC Project Coordinator at 202-572-3717 or tkim@edc.org.
Rosalyn Blogier, LCSW-C, Public Health Advisor, SAMHSA
Yeates Conwell, M.D., Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester
When: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 3:00 PM-4:30 PM Eastern Time
Brief description: Older adults die by suicide at a higher rate than the national average. Every year, more than 5,000 Americans over the age of 65 die by suicide, a death toll that is largely preventable. Elderly white men have the highest rate of suicide of all demographic groups in the U.S. Although suicide rates of older Americans have been slowly declining for many years, older men and women of every race continue to die by suicide, and the need for prevention is urgent. This webinar reviews the research associated with suicide among older adults, including risk and protective factors and effective suicide prevention strategies. In addition, this webinar will specifically address the issue of suicide risk and prevention in the context of community programs and residential facilities.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Describe the scope of the problem, including risk and protective factors related to suicide among older adults
2. Summarize research findings regarding effective suicide prevention strategies for this population.
3. Report the key findings from focus groups and interviews with senior living center staff regarding their knowledge, attitudes and practices related to mental health promotion and suicide prevention.
4. Access a new toolkit funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration titled "Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide in Senior Living Communities.”
Additional resources to be referenced during the webinar:
Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior Living Communities
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA10-4515
Register online
Space is limited. Please register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/212444497
After you register, you will receive an e-mail containing information about how to participate in the webinar via the phone and internet. If you have any questions about your registration, please contact Tiffany Kim, SPRC Project Coordinator at 202-572-3717 or tkim@edc.org.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
RRSR in Abingdon
Most mental health clinicians have had little or no formal training in assessing suicide risk, yet they are often called upon to do so. Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Mental Health Clinicians (RRSR) has been developed by the American Association of Suicidology specifically to fill this training gap. RRSR is an advanced, interactive training based on established core competencies that mental health professionals need in order to effectively assess and manage suicide risk in their patients. The program has several components, including a web-based assessment; two on-line, self-paced modules; a two-day face-to-face workshop; and post-workshop mentorship through on-line learning activities.
RRSR is appropriate for any mental health clinician. Participants typically include licensed private counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, addictions counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and pastoral counselors.
Additional information is available at Suicide Prevention Training For Mental Health Clinicians in Abingdon, VA Added to 2010 Schedule
Most mental health clinicians have had little or no formal training in assessing suicide risk, yet they are often called upon to do so. Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Mental Health Clinicians (RRSR) has been developed by the American Association of Suicidology specifically to fill this training gap. RRSR is an advanced, interactive training based on established core competencies that mental health professionals need in order to effectively assess and manage suicide risk in their patients. The program has several components, including a web-based assessment; two on-line, self-paced modules; a two-day face-to-face workshop; and post-workshop mentorship through on-line learning activities.
RRSR is appropriate for any mental health clinician. Participants typically include licensed private counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, addictions counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and pastoral counselors.
Additional information is available at http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/education-and-training/rrsr
When: August 2 & 3, 2010
Where: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, Virginia
Cost: This training is provided free of charge. Lunch will be on your own both days.
Registration: Please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRAbingdon to register.
Seating is limited to 50 people per training. Because of the demand for seats, please register only if you are able to attend the full two days, and are not 'on-call' for other duties during that time.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions; christina.benton@vdh.virginia.gov or 804-864-7736.
RRSR is appropriate for any mental health clinician. Participants typically include licensed private counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, addictions counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and pastoral counselors.
Additional information is available at Suicide Prevention Training For Mental Health Clinicians in Abingdon, VA Added to 2010 Schedule
Most mental health clinicians have had little or no formal training in assessing suicide risk, yet they are often called upon to do so. Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Mental Health Clinicians (RRSR) has been developed by the American Association of Suicidology specifically to fill this training gap. RRSR is an advanced, interactive training based on established core competencies that mental health professionals need in order to effectively assess and manage suicide risk in their patients. The program has several components, including a web-based assessment; two on-line, self-paced modules; a two-day face-to-face workshop; and post-workshop mentorship through on-line learning activities.
RRSR is appropriate for any mental health clinician. Participants typically include licensed private counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, addictions counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and pastoral counselors.
Additional information is available at http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/education-and-training/rrsr
When: August 2 & 3, 2010
Where: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, Virginia
Cost: This training is provided free of charge. Lunch will be on your own both days.
Registration: Please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRSRAbingdon to register.
Seating is limited to 50 people per training. Because of the demand for seats, please register only if you are able to attend the full two days, and are not 'on-call' for other duties during that time.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions; christina.benton@vdh.virginia.gov or 804-864-7736.
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