A two-day workshop teaching suicide prevention skills will be offered to UO faculty and staff members April 12-13 on campus.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Other sessions will be offered over the summer.

The workshop is designed for members of all caregiving groups. The course will provide those in formal helping roles with professional development to prepare them for providing suicide first-aid help and prevention.

Participants in the course will explore their own attitudes regarding suicide, learn how to use a suicide intervention model to identify people at risk, seek a shared understanding of reasons for dying and living, develop a safe plan based upon a review of risk, be prepared to do follow-up, and become involved in suicide-safer community networks.

“We are very fortunate to have this offered for free on our campus and that we have on-campus trainers that can answer specific questions about services and resources on our campus,” said Suzie Stadelman, education and prevention outreach coordinator for the UO Counseling and Testing Center. “Since December 2016 we’ve trained 58 staff and faculty in ASIST and we’ve gotten consistent feedback that the course is very helpful, meaningful and well worth the time.”

The learning process is based on adult learning principles and is highly participatory. Graduated skills development occurs through minilectures, facilitated discussions, group simulations and role plays.

A light breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.

The trainings are open to faculty and staff. More information about the trainings can be found online.