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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to share resources, start conversations, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Marshfield Clinic is offering two free, online suicide prevention trainings this month for community members -- especially those who support farmers, first responders, military personnel and veterans.
The events are part of a community outreach initiative organized by the Marshfield Clinic Veterans Care Coordinator and the Marshfield Clinic Military and Veterans Employee Resource Group, in collaboration with the AgriSafe Network, Inc.
According to a Marshfield Clinic news release, these sessions are designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip participants with practical tools to prevent suicide in rural communities.
"Suicide prevention training can empower any of us -- friends, neighbors, coworkers, parishioners, farmers, veterans -- to recognize warning signs, start difficult conversations, and help connect someone to the support that could save a life," said Bryan Weichelt, Ph.D., research scientist and past chair of Marshfield Clinic's Military and Veterans Employee Resource Group. "Every person trained in suicide prevention becomes a bridge between silence and support, hope and healing."
Anyone in the community is invited to register for the sessions. The two sessions offered are:
-- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training - Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m.
This 90-minute session is tailored for rural firefighters, EMS professionals, veterans, and others serving rural communities. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of mental health distress, respond effectively to someone in crisis, and connect individuals with appropriate support resources.
The training features practical examples and scenarios to help participants build confidence in applying QPR principles. The QPR training will be facilitated by Agri-Safe Network's Noah Hopkins, population health scientist, and Tara Haskins, total farmer health director.
To register, use the Zoom registration link provided for the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PeaHZK2WSvGgViyINONyiA.
After submitting your registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing Zoom access information and additional instructions.
-- CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means) counseling training health professionals - Sept. 17, 5 p.m.
This 4-hour workshop is designed for mental health clinicians, primary care providers, substance use counselors, hotline responders, and crisis intervention professionals. Through case studies, video vignettes, and interactive practice opportunities, participants will develop practical skills to support individuals experiencing suicidal crises.
Participants will learn how to collaboratively develop safety plans with clients and families, discuss and implement strategies for safe storage of lethal means, help create opportunities to “cause a pause” during moments of crisis, and strengthen intervention and counseling skills through real-world scenarios and guided practice.
The training will be facilitated by Haskins and Olivia Bury, behavioral health coordinator and licensed professional counselor.
Register via the Zoom registration link provided for the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sUvxgdGMRDu3L9z8lWtERA.
More information on suicide prevention can be found at https://www.sanfordhealth.org/lp/suicide-prevention.