Coalition hosting free suicide prevention training

     The Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition will be hosting a “LivingWorks safeTALK” training on Thursday, May 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Community Center, 600 E. Main St., Anamosa.

   This training is provided by Foundation 2 Crisis Services. “safeTALK” teaches participants how to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and how to connect them to the appropriate support. It focuses on: Identifying signs of suicidal thoughts – recognizing verbal, non-verbal, and situational cues that someone may be struggling; engaging in direct conversation – learning how to ask about suicide in a straightforward and supportive way; connecting to resources – understanding how to confidently refer someone to trained helpers, such as crisis counselors or other support services; and overcoming barriers – addressing fears or myths that prevent people from seeking or offering help.

   This is a free workshop, with costs covered by the MHDS East Central Region, available for any community members ages 16-plus who want to feel equipped to help keep people safer from suicide. This can include parents, educators, healthcare professionals, church and community groups, and more. No previous training or experience is required.

   “LivingWorks” is the creator of the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), which is a full two-day training.

   Seating is limited to 30 participants. Please contact Kelly Zepeda at kzepeda@foundation2.org to register. The Coalition will provide refreshments.