Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Workshop

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with one suicide occurring every 17 minutes. Montana has the highest suicide rate in the nation, with Eastern Montana being higher than the State average. In an effort to prevent these tragic events, District II Alcohol and Drug Program is working to help communities develop stronger suicide prevention plans and increase the number of trained caregivers in the region to prevent suicide and help those in crisis.

District II will provide community members with training in suicide first aid skills using the ASIST method. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) will provide participants with the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to recognize persons at risk and to undertake appropriate management or referral of a person who is at risk of suicide. Suicide and non-fatal suicidal behaviors, ranging from gestures to suicide attempts, are far more common than most people realize. Almost everyone will come into contact with suicidal behaviors in some significant way during their lifetime. Many people are trained to administer first aid to someone having a heart attack, but very few people know emergency first aid for preventing suicide.

The ASIST workshop will deal directly with attitudes about suicide prevention. On the first day of the training, participants will learn how to recognize those persons who might be at risk by identifying a number of different signs and indicators. Some of the major warning signs of suicide include sudden changes in behavior or personality, previous suicide attempts, suicidal statements which express a desire or intention to die, and feelings of depression, helplessness, hopelessness, isolation, and loss. One of the most important first aid skills to have is the ability to ask directly about the suicide intentions of someone you are worried about. Skill development exercises and community networking activities will take up the entire second day of the workshop.

The ASIST workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 8th and 9th in Sidney at the Sidney Assembly of God Church at 414 E. Main Street. There is no cost for the workshop and participants will receive books, materials, breakfast and refreshments for both days. Continuing education credits will be available. Training will be facilitated by certified ASIST Trainers, Tim Anderson, Clinical Director for District II Alcohol & Drug Program and Tara Hubing, Counselor for Circle Public Schools. Registration is necessary as class size is limited. To register please contact Nicole Hackley at District II Alcohol & Drug Program at 433-4097 or email at [email protected].