WISCONSIN – Marshfield Clinic is offering two free, online suicide prevention trainings this month for community members, especially those who support farmers, first responders, military personnel and veterans.
The events are part of a community outreach initiative organized by the Marshfield Clinic Veterans Care Coordinator (VetCoor) and the Marshfield Clinic Military and Veterans Employee Resource Group, in collaboration with the AgriSafe Network Inc., according to a release from Marshfield Clinic.
“These sessions are designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma and equip participants with practical tools to prevent suicide in rural communities,” Marshfield Clinic said.
“Suicide prevention training can empower any of us – friends, neighbors, coworkers, parishioners, farmers, veterans – to recognize warning signs, start difficult conversations and help connect someone to the support that could save a life,” said Bryan Weichelt, Ph.D., research scientist and past chair of Marshfield Clinic’s Military and Veterans Employee Resource Group. “Every person trained in suicide prevention becomes a bridge between silence and support, hope and healing.”
Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently launched a statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan for reducing injuries, experiences of violence and violent deaths in Wisconsin – including suicide, Marshfield Clinic noted.
The public is invited to register for the sessions.
The first session will be QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training on Monday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The course is tailored for rural firefighters, EMS professionals, veterans and others serving rural communities, according to Marshfield Clinic.
“Participants will learn how to recognize signs of mental health distress, respond effectively to someone in crisis and connect individuals with appropriate support resources,” Marshfield Clinic stated. “The training features practical examples and scenarios to help participants build confidence in applying QPR principles. The QPR training will be facilitated by Agri-Safe Network’s Noah Hopkins, population health scientist, and Tara Haskins, total farmer health director.”
Based on feedback from rural fire and EMS partners, Marshfield Clinic said, the 1.5-hour training is scheduled during a timeframe that may be easier to incorporate into regularly scheduled drill nights and training activities.
To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/8758cfcz. After submitting registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing Zoom access information and additional instructions.
The second session, CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means) counseling training for health professionals, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.
Marshfield Clinic said this four-hour workshop is designed for mental health clinicians, primary care providers, substance use counselors, hotline responders and crisis intervention professionals.
“Through case studies, video vignettes and interactive practice opportunities, participants will develop practical skills to support individuals experiencing suicidal crises,” Marshfield Clinic said.
Participants will learn how to collaboratively develop safety plans with clients and families, discuss and implement strategies for safe storage of lethal means, help create opportunities to "cause a pause" during moments of crisis and strengthen intervention and counseling skills through real-world scenarios and guided practice.
The training will be facilitated by Haskins and Olivia Bury, behavioral health coordinator and licensed professional counselor.
To register for the course, visit www.tinyurl.com/yrpkd2r5.
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