Youth-suicide prevention workshops set for April

The Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health and TeleHealth Idaho will host a Youth Suicide Prevention Virtual Grand Rounds Series in April. Each session will begin at 10 a.m. MST or 9 a.m. PST.
   The four-week series will be video-cast throughout Idaho. Speakers will cover topics on mental illness, suicide, stigma, survivor support and approaches to youth suicide prevention.

The sessions are:

•    April 4, “The Link Between Mental Illness, Suicide and Stigma.” Research demonstrates the correlation between mental illness and suicide. The session focuses on national data and experiences from Dr. Negron, a local child psychiatrist. Ann Kirkwood, a national stigma expert, will present her research and explore ways that people can decrease stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide.

•    April 11, “Support for Survivors: A Discussion Panel.” Family members are often left with many questions after a loved one completes suicide. Community support is essential to the healing process. The public is invited to participate in an interactive panel discussion on what is being done for survivors, and how they can further be supported in their communities. Panel members are survivors and child advocates from across the state.

•    April 18, “Taking a Public Health Approach to Prevention.” This session is designed to provide leadership skills for communities by increasing their comfort and ability to communicate effectively about suicide and suicide prevention in line with The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Participants will understand the public health approach to prevention and basic prevention principles, which will guide them in developing comprehensive suicide prevention programs.

•    April 25, “The Importance of Mental Health Screening in Early Intervention.” Early screening is an important element of suicide prevention. The session will focus on research behind early intervention screening. It will also provide a description of the evidence-based TeenScreen program and how it can be implemented in the community. Locations for the sessions are as follows:

•    Pocatello: ISU campus, Eli Oboler Library, Room B13.

•    Idaho Falls: ISU-Idaho Falls, 1770 Science Center Dr., Room CHE 303.

•    Twin Falls: ISU-Twin Falls Center, Evergreen Building, Room C-89.•    Boise: ISU-Boise, 12301 W. Explorer Dr., Suite 102, Room 141.

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

•    Lewiston: Lewis and Clark State College, corner of Fourth and Ninth avenues, Sam Glenn Complex, Room SG50. Certificates of completion will be offered to professionals who wish to obtain continuing education credits. The session is free, but seating is limited.

To register, visit the TeleHealth Web site at www.telida.isu.edu and click on the VGR registration tab on the left side of the bar. For questions, call Kirsti Beck at ISU-Institute of Rural Health at 282-4436.