While September is National Suicide Prevention Month, several community organizations are offering suicide prevention services in October.

Abundant Life Christian Guidance trainings

According to the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, people who struggle with thoughts of suicide are increasingly turning to their faith communities and faith leaders for help and support, even before they seek care from mental health professionals.

Amy Will, owner and Christian counselor of Abundant Life Christian Guidance, PLLC will be hosting a two-hour comprehensive training entitled “Supporting Life Throughout Suicidal Crisis” tailored specifically for ministers and faith leaders wishing to learn about suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention for the first time and for those who want a refresher course.

The training will occur twice in October. The first training will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 11, and another will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the conference room at Abundant Life Christian Guidance, PLLC, at 115 N. First St., Alpena. Doors will open half an hour before the trainings begin.

Space is limited, and registration is required by Wednesday, Oct. 2. There are two easy ways to register: Call Rev. Amy Will, MA, LPCC at 989-590-7449 or send an email to abundantlifecg@yahoo.com by Wednesday to reserve your spot. The cost of the training is $45 per person. Cash or checks only will be accepted. Checks can be made payable to Abundant Life Christian Guidance, PLLC. Information packets, certificates, and light refreshments will be provided.

Partners in Prevention

Partners In Prevention, with funding support from the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and Hunters Harvest, is hosting an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in Alpena Oct. 15 and 16.

“The 12-hour training is for anyone who wants to be prepared to apply suicide first aid in family, volunteer, or workplace settings,” said certified trainer Mary Schalk. “Over the two-day workshop, participants will learn skills to competently and confidently intervene with a person at risk of suicide.”

Grants have reduced the cost to $50 per person, which includes all materials and meals and is due in advance with registration. The course has been approved by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative for 15 CE hours. Request a registration flyer with full details by sending an email with the word “training” in the subject line to carlene@nemcpi.org or by calling 989-356-2880 or 1-800-354-2880.

ASIST “helps to understand the signs, risks, reasons, and how to assist someone whether in the workplace or personal life.

Schalk, who for 10 years has met the rigorous trainer requirements of course developer Living Works, will be joined by certified co-trainer Lisa Clavier of East Jordan.

Living Works describes ASIST as an “intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course” that is “the most widely used suicide intervention training program in the world.”

Registration is limited to 30, and the deadline is Oct. 11. ASIST will take place in the social hall at Alpena First Presbyterian Church.

Veteran help offered

In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is bringing awareness to its #BeThere campaign by encouraging community leaders, colleagues, and veterans’ families and friends to help prevent suicide by showing support for those who may be going through a difficult time.

Suicide is a complex national public health issue which affects communities nationwide, with more than 45,000 Americans, including more than 6,000 Veterans, dying by suicide every year. But suicide is preventable. The VA is using a community-driven approach to prevent suicide and is finding innovative ways to deliver support and care to all 20 million U.S. Veterans whenever and wherever they need it.

Play a role by learning to recognize warning signs, showing compassion, and offering support.

Educate yourself on the warning signs of suicide, found on the Veterans Crisis Line website. Watch the free S.A.V.E. training video to equip yourself to respond with care and compassion if someone you know indicates they are having thoughts of suicide. Check out VA’s Social Media Safety Toolkit to learn how to recognize and respond to social media posts that may indicate emotional distress, feelings of crisis or thoughts of suicide. Contact VA’s Coaching Into Care program if you are worried about a veteran loved one. A licensed psychologist or social worker will provide guidance on motivating your loved one to seek support.

Veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a veteran in crisis, can call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.