Description
The global pandemic and resulting social isolation have taken a heavy toll on the human mind, heart, and spirit. Though the strain is difficult for everyone, marginalized communities already dealing with systemic injustice and those with existing mental health challenges have an extra level of distress to contend with. Professional helpers may encounter suicidal clients in any health and human service role, but may not feel confident about how to tell who is most at risk for suicide, how to assess the level of danger, and how to connect someone who is struggling with effective interventions. Broadly relevant to many populations, with special focus on LGBTQ individuals and people living with HIV, this webinar event is designed to help workers build a toolbox of practical skills you can use immediately to support vulnerable people in staying alive and moving towards well.

Presenter:
Kate Bishop, MSSA, the Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the dynamics of suicide among vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV and AIDS
• Identify key methods and tools for assessing suicide risk with clients
• Describe how to address suicidal ideation and self-harm, boost resilience, and connect clients to specialized care and treatment
• Examine prevalence, disparities, trends, unique risk and protective factors, and culturally-specific support interventions

Who Should Attend?
Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers, and other members of the healthcare team interested in building skills around suicide prevention

Certificates of attendance will be available sent 3-6 weeks after the program after receipt of evaluation materials.