Suicide Prevention Learning Opportunities

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness – Holiday Series

The holidays can be a joy-filled season, but they can also be a very stressful time that can bring up painful memories or experiences. Join the Minnesota Department of Health’s Suicide Prevention Unit, along with guest speakers from across the state, for a three-part overview of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. The Eight Dimensions of Wellness is a framework developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) used to encourage a holistic approach focused on interconnected dimensions that contribute to an individual’s overall wellbeing. During these sessions, we will discuss each of the eight dimensions and set goals for how to improve and maintain overall wellness and connect to support during the holiday seasons and beyond. 

For more information or to register:

• Session 1: Thursday, December 5, from 12 – 1 p.m. Registration: The Eight Dimensions of Wellness Session 1
• Session 2: Thursday, December 12, from 12 – 1 p.m. Registration: The Eight Dimensions of Wellness Session 2
• Session 3: Thursday, December 19, from 12 – 1 p.m. Registration: The Eight Dimensions of Wellness Session 3

Supporting Suicide Loss Survivors through the Holidays

A suicide death can have a ripple effect, impacting individuals, families, and whole communities. Helping someone who has lost a loved one to suicide can be challenging and complex and even feel awkward. It can be hard to know what to say or do to support someone, especially during the holidays. Friends, families, and communities are an important source of safe support and healing after a suicide loss. Join this webinar and hear a panel of guests including perspectives of suicide loss survivors and how to support someone after suicide loss during the holidays.  

For more information or to register:

• Friday, December 6, 2024, from 12 – 1 p.m. Registration: Supporting Suicide Loss Survivors through the Holidays 

ASIST-Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

ASIST is a two-day workshop designed for members of all caregiving groups, family, friends, and other community members. Participants learn how to use a suicide intervention model to identify persons with thoughts of suicide, develop a safety plan and follow up. Studies show that ASIST participants gain knowledge about suicide, skills to reach out, and confidence to help save a life. This free training is being hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. CEU’s are available.

• Jan. 28 and 29, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center, 505 Spirit River Dr S, Cambridge, MN 55008

Registration deadline: Jan. 15, 2025

For more information or to register, email: health.suicideprev.mdh@state.mn.us 

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) is a training on reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, during a mental health crisis. CALM provides an overview on shifting the narrative when talking about mental health and suicide, a discussion on lethal means, having the conversation to reduce access to lethal means, and developing a safety plan.
Anyone that is interested in learning more about Counseling on Access to Lethal Means is encouraged to attend.   

For more information or to register:

• Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. – noon Registration: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)

If you have any questions, please email Jenilee Telander at Jenilee.Telander@state.mn.us

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Train-the-Trainer Workshop

Interested in becoming a trainer in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)? This two-day CALM Train-the-Trainer (T4T) workshop prepares participants to deliver the CALM training within their own organizations and communities. Participants will go through the Counseling on Access to Lethal Means training, with conversations about the content to become prepared to present effectively, respond to common questions, and anticipate future audience and training needs. These discussions are followed by enrollees presenting portions of the training slide deck and receiving constructive feedback. Finally, participants will learn how to plan and prepare for a successful training.

For more information or to register:

• Tuesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Space is limited. 

People who are interested in becoming a Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) trainer and participating in the training should contact Jenilee Telander at Jenilee.telander@state.mn.us.

For questions about these learning opportunities, reach out to health.suicideprev.mdh@state.mn.us.