VTMHCA Member happenings

VTMHCA members are making a difference in the community. Check out these events and activities being offered by our members.

Alex Lehning - Vermont Suicide Prevention Symposium

On September 13, 2024, the annual Vermont Suicide Prevention Symposium will return to an in-person format in Randolph - promoting learning, hope, and action on this critical issue for all Vermonters.

“We envision a gathering which fosters connection, growth, and support for anyone navigating the complexities of suicide - whether personally, professionally, or with loved ones,” said Alex Lehning, Executive Director of the Vermont Collaborative for Practice Improvement & Innovation (VCPI). “The data is clear - we know that Vermonters are more at-risk for death by suicide, suicide attempts, and self-harm compared to the national average. The more we can talk about it, the more we can help save lives,” said Lehning.

The day-long conference on the Vermont State University Randolph campus will include presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities featuring leading voices in the field from Vermont, New England, and beyond. The focus of the event is equitable, sustainable, and comprehensive suicide prevention education with sessions designed for mental health clinicians, peer support workers, advocates & families, individuals with lived experience, healthcare providers, educators, and community members. The Symposium is hosted by VCPI in partnership with the Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) and United Way of Northwest Vermont (UWNWVT). 

“Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, and the Symposium is an opportunity for Vermonters from all backgrounds and fields to learn together.” said Chris Allen, Director of Suicide Prevention for the Vermont Department of Mental Health. “We are proud to partner in this event, recognizing that everyone has a role in suicide prevention. The Symposium will facilitate sharing knowledge, strategies, and support that help build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Highlights include: 

• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Stacey Freedenthal
  Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, educator, writer, consultant, and speaker who specializes in helping people at risk for suicide. She has authored two books: Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: What Family, Friends, and Partners Can Say and Do, and Helping the Suicidal Person: Tips and Techniques for Professionals. She also created and maintains the website “Speaking of Suicide” (https://speakingofsuicide.com). She works as an associate professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, and she has a small psychotherapy and consulting practice. Freedenthal will also be leading two workshops during the Symposium.
• Learning Opportunities
  Participants will choose from among 15 diverse workshops across multiple sessions throughout the day, to engage in transformational learning, develop valuable skills, and access the resources they need to make a positive impact. Topics include: mental health literacy, how to talk about suicide, self-care, prevention & best practices, harm reduction, navigating loss, risk assessment, Vermont’s strategic plan for suicide prevention, and addressing suicide in Vermont’s BIPOC, LGBQT+ and rural communities. Training and certification in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality), and Mental Health First Aid will also be offered in hybrid formats prior to, during, and following the Symposium.
• Making Connections
  In addition to workshops & presentations, there will be multiple opportunities for participants to connect, share and network. Exhibitors from area nonprofits will be on hand to share information, resources, and handouts about suicide prevention efforts across the Green Mountain State. Students from UVM’s Public Health graduate program will also be showcasing their research. 

"Suicide is a leading cause of death in Vermont,” according to Steven Berbeco, Director of United Way of Northwest Vermont’s Mental Health Initiative. “Our success will come from strengthening suicide prevention resources and offering more healing, help, and hope at the Vermont Suicide Prevention Symposium. This is a meaningful step we can all take to make a difference."

This event is open to the public and all are welcome. Tickets are $100/each and include breakfast, lunch, and all materials. Licensed providers can earn CEUs for an additional $25 fee. Scholarships are available.

Follow this link for more information about the agenda, speakers, and registration: https://bit.ly/VTSPS

 

Glenn Soberman - Center for Holistic Healing

• Offering online (Zoom), in-person, and self-study educational workshops on a number of topics
• Check out the Center for Holistic Healing website for current workshop offerings

Jan 17, 2024