Suicide has a ripple effect throughout communities, meaning most of our lives have been touched in some way.

World Suicide Prevention Day, held every year on September 10th, is an opportunity for survivors, and the people care for and serve them, to come together to learn, share, and find healing through hope. Survivors of Suicide describes both the people who have lost someone to suicide and those who have survived a suicide attempt. Unfortunately, people from either group can be left to deal with their emotions and grief alone and in silence. Social stigma often prevents people from asking natural questions and expressing their pain to those around them. A safe space to talk and learn can make a positive difference in people's lives.

With support from NAMI of Skagit County, we are pleased to welcome David Pina, MA clinical psychology, who teaches both Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and safeTALK (livingworks.net) to our community for a virtual conversation. He has provided suicide interventions for folks as young as 7 and as old as 96, shaping his understanding that suicidal ideation knows no age limits. David has hosted Survivors of Suicide groups in Pierce County, and has been working in suicide prevention for over 20 years.

Elizabeth (Beth) Ruth, CHES, has been teaching Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) courses in Skagit for the past 5 years, and recently became certified to teach Mental Health First Aid. Beth brings her lived experience and knowledge of grief-informed care to our conversation.

Due to COVID-19, this event will be held online using the Zoom platform. You will need access to reliable internet and a computer or phone with a camera and microphone. You do not need a Zoom account to participate. Directions and the link to join will be sent to your email address prior to the training.

Registration is required to attend this community conversation to ensure that it is a welcoming and safe virtual space. Your email will only be used to communicate SOS login information. Thank you for registering!