Minot State to host Connect Suicide Prevention Training
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University will host two Connect Model Suicide Prevention training events during the week of Oct. 8-12.
Connect Model Suicide Prevention – Gatekeeper Training is set for Monday, Oct. 8 from 2-4:30 p.m. in Old Main 102, while Connect Model Suicide Prevention – Social Services training is Friday, Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Minot State University Conference Center.
There will also be multiple future training sessions until July hosted by Minot State. The schedule for future events is:
- Thursday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Westlie Room
- Wednesday, Feb. 27, 9 to 11:15 a.m., Jones Room
- Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Jones Room
- Wednesday, April 10, 1 to 3:15 p.m., Westlie Room
- Friday, May 3, 8:30 to 10:45 a.m., Westlie Room
- Monday, June 10, 2 to 4:15 p.m., Westlie Room
- Thursday, July 25, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Westlie Room
“This is an opportunity to join the ranks of those working every day to remove the stigma that individuals seeking help for mental health, addiction, and other treatable conditions face,” Minot State Veterans Center Director Andy Heitkamp said. “This particular training specifically addresses suicide prevention/intervention. Suicide, mental health issues, addictions, and other treatable conditions are in some manor affecting more and more of us each day.”
The Minot State Veteran Services Office was selected in June 2018 to participant in a three-day, train-the-trainer event held by the North Dakota Suicide Prevention Coalition and Alison Traynor, Suicide Prevention Director – Injury Prevention and Control – North Dakota Department of Health. After successfully completing the course, MSU Veteran Services was authorized by NAMI-New Hampshire (https://www.nami.org) to provide this training.
Participants in both sessions will learn about:
- The impact of suicide
- Factors that can increase or lower the risk of suicide
- The effectiveness of prevention efforts
- What can be said or done when worried about someone who may be at risk for suicide
- Connecting someone at risk to key community services
- State and national resources
Many people who have had a recent loss to suicide (within two years) find attending a suicide prevention training very difficult. It is important to remember that your own self-care comes first. If you have questions about your participation and/or want information on resources for survivors of suicide loss, please contact Elaine de Melloo at edemello@naminh.org.
Connect's curriculum includes how to identify suicide warning signs and intervene with a person at risk. Connect also fosters relationship building and the exchange of resources among participants.
“The training is the beginning of an education process about those affected as well as their struggles,” Heitkamp said. “More importantly, it empowers us in a positive role (within our community) to share the knowledge of how to “Connect” to the next resource, which could allow them to, sooner rather than latter, receive the professional assistance they may require to conquer their condition(s).”
There is no charge for this program, but space is limited and RSVPs are required. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Heitkamp at 701-858-4002 or andy.heitkamp@minotstateu.edu. Fore more information, see attached FLIER.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 10/04/18 |
