The National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center will be participating from the 30th Annual Texas School Social Workers Conference: Honoring 30 Years of Wisdom, Leadership, Advocacy & Empowerment of the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.This is a paid online event, for more information please visit the conference webpage.
Suicide prevention is an area of our work that is difficult to sustain a long-term commitment to. The emotional work takes a toll, and we must seek self-care regularly. Prevention strategies for Latinx and Indigenous populations are not singular nor is there one approach for all individuals or communities. Understanding the importance of cultural elements and the need to adapt any prevention strategies in order to be most effective is a primary task. Providers, community leaders, and parents must work together to uncover the reasons behind young people and adults reporting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Visionaries and leaders must activate hope and compassion for those who seek a new approach to life’s problems. This session will explore strategies to encourage new approaches to prevention and treatment.
Learning objectives:
1. Identify and discuss the current trends in data specific to hopelessness, feeling sad, and suicidal ideation among Latinx and Indigenous populations while considering suicidal behaviors beginning in adolescence.
2. Identify and discuss the intersections of racism and discrimination as they relate to suicide among Latinx and Indigenous populations.
3. Provide examples and resources for prevention strategies that have shown to be effective with Latinx and Indigenous populations. /p>
Who should attend? This is an intermediate level workshop designed for mental health providers, school mental health providers, and school administrators.
About the presenter:
J Rocky Romero, PhD, LMSW - Dr. J Rocky Romero is the CEO and owner of JR Romero & Associates, a training and consultant company he started almost 20 years ago. Dr. Romero is a former Assistant Professor for New Mexico Highlands University School of Social Work in Albuquerque, NM. He served as the co-chair for Governor Richardson’s appointed NM Higher Education Department on Cultural Competency Task-Force. Dr. Romero has also served as an Executive Council member for the NM-Consortium for Behavioral Health Training and Research. Also, Dr. Romero completed his doctoral studies at the University of New Mexico in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies. Dr. Romero has been a trainer and consultant for the NHL-MHTTC for the last ten years. He is focused on culturally appropriate treatment while focusing on reducing health disparities for people of color.