TeleHealth Idaho to present youth suicide prevention VGR series

A four-week youth suicide prevention series sponsored by the Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health and TeleHealth Idaho will be videocast throughout Idaho during October. Topics will include substance abuse and mental illness, trauma, community collaboration and evidence-based approaches to youth suicide prevention.

All sessions will be televised on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon MST. Family members, clinicians, educators, advocates and those who work with or have an interest in youth suicide prevention are invited.

The sessions are free but seating is limited. To register, go to the TeleHealth Idaho Web site, telida.isu.edu, and click on the “VGR Registration” tab.

Certificates of completion will be offered to professionals to obtain continuing education credits.

The schedule is as follows:

    • Oct. 4: “Why Are Evidence-based Programs Critical for Youth Suicide Prevention?” Gary McConahay, Ph.D., national consultant and trainer for LivingWorks Education program, will discuss how evidence-based programs are essential for saving our youth. This session will focus on evidence-based practices in suicidal behavior reduction programs. It also will include an overview of the Living Works programs and how they can be implemented in your community.

    • Oct. 11: “The Link Between Mental Illness and Substance Abuse.” Jorielle Brown, Ph.D., public health advisor for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will present on the topic. Research demonstrates that mental illnesses can be risk factors for substance abuse. Evidence-informed treatment promotes the recovery process. Participants will learn about national statistics, co-occurring disorders, along with evidence-based treatment models and strategies for those affected by mental illnesses and substance.

    • Oct. 18: “Cultural Issues in Historical Trauma.” Dolores Bigfoot, Ph.D., from the Indian Country Child Trauma Center at the University of Oklahoma will provide information on the effects of trauma in Indian Country, including high suicide rates and the status of mental health. The session will include a description of risk, protective factors, healing activities and models for children/youth in Indian Country.

    • Oct. 25: “Strengthening Your Community for Suicide Prevention.” Many communities in Idaho are successfully collaborating to help our youth. Participants will join an interactive panel comprised of advocates, parents and clinicians in a discussion on how collaboration is working in several parts of Idaho, and how it can work for their community. The panel discussion will feature information on the award winning “Art from the Heart” program and others.

The sessions will be broadcast to the following areas:

    • Pocatello: ISU Campus, Eli Oboler Library, Room B35

    • Idaho Falls: ISU–Idaho Falls, 1770 Science Center Drive, Room CHE 208

    • Twin Falls: ISU–Twin Falls Center, Evergreen Bldg, Room C-89

    • Boise: ISU–Boise, 12301 W Explorer Drive, Suite 102, Room 156

    • Coeur d ‘Alene: Northern Idaho Center for Higher Education, 1000 W. Hubbard Street, Suite 130

    • Lewiston: Lewis and Clark State College, Corner of 4th and 9th Ave, Sam Glenn Complex, Room SG50

Other sites may be available upon request.

For more information call the ISU Institute of Rural Health at (208) 282-4436.