Franciscan Health Michigan City, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is hosting a free, two-day workshop aimed at teaching suicide prevention skills to help those at risk stay safe.

LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day, two-trainer workshop designed for members of all caregiver communities. Family, friends and other community members may be the first to talk with a person at risk, but have little or no training. ASIST can provide that training while also helping those in formal helping roles with professional development to ensure they are prepared to provide suicide first aid as part of the care they provide.

The emphasis of the course is on teaching suicide first aid to help a person at risk stay safe and seek further help as needed. Participants learn to use a suicide intervention model to identify persons with thoughts of suicide, seek a shared understanding of reasons for dying and living, develop a safe plan based upon a review of risk, be prepared to follow-up and become involved in suicide-safer community networks.

The teaching process is based on adult learning principles and is highly participatory. Graduated skills development occurs through mini lectures, facilitated discussions, group simulations and role playing.

The workshop is scheduled to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central on Monday, Oct. 28 and Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Franciscan Health Michigan City, 3500 Franciscan Way, in the first floor Mother Theresia conference room. Participants must be present both days.

The workshop is free, but registration is required by Oct 21. To register and for more information, please contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at Nila.Williams@FranciscanAlliance.org or (219) 283-9649. 

Please note: If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.