August Workshops Address Reducing Access to Lethal Means for Those at Risk for Suicide

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 15, 2016

Registration is now open for several workshops that address reducing access to lethal means ― such as firearms or prescription medications ― for those at risk for suicide.

"Suicide is a leading cause of death for Oregon youth ages 15-24 and Oregon veterans under the age of 45," says Washington County Suicide Prevention Coordinator Meghan Crane. "Oregon currently has the eighth highest rate of suicide in the nation. It touches everyone, and everyone can play a role in preventing it."

Elaine Frank, co-creator of CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means), will lead the August workshops. Ms. Frank is the director of CALM at the Injury Prevention Center at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth in New Hampshire.

Means reduction is an important part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. CALM teaches people how to ask suicidal patients and clients about their access to lethal means and how to work with them and their families to reduce their access. The course is appropriate for anyone who works with people in a clinical/counseling situation, such as health and mental health, veteran affairs, schools, peer support, clergy, domestic violence, etc. One of the workshops is geared specifically toward first responders.

The workshops are free, but space is limited and registration is required.

• Friday, August 12, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CALM Train-the-Trainer at the Portland State Office Building. Interested trainers should possess good presentation skills; familiarity with suicide prevention concepts and practices; experience working with mental health providers and other health/social services providers; familiarity with firearms and/or gun culture is helpful but not essential; and a willingness to provide at least three local trainings over the next two years.
• Monday, August 15, 9–11 a.m. CALM Workshop at the Portland State Office Building
• Tuesday, August 16, 2–4 p.m. CALM Workshop at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
• Friday, August 19, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CALM Train-the-Trainer for First Responders at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

Register online at www.GetTrainedtoHelp.com, or for more information call Suicide Prevention Coordinator Meghan Crane at 503-846-4748.

Support for these trainings is provided by Clackamas County Behavioral Health, the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention grant program, Oregon Health Authority, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and Washington County Public Health.

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