Connect Postvention

Connect Suicide Postvention Training When: Friday May 8, 2026 from 9:30 AM-5:00 PM Where: Norfolk Public Library, 308 W. Prospect Ave Room

Connect Suicide Postvention Training

When: Friday May 8, 2026 from 9:30 AM-5:00 PM

Where: Norfolk Public Library, 308 W. Prospect Ave Room A, Norfolk NE 68701

Registration: email to msandoval@midtownhealthne.org by April 29, 2026. No lunch provided –Free training- Limited seats

Suicide postvention refers to the organized response and support provided to individuals & communities after a suicide occurs, aimed at reducing risk and promoting heal. The primary goals of postvention are to:

• Reduce the risk of suicide among those exposed to the suicide.
• Promote healing and recovery for individuals and communities impacted by the loss.
• Provide immediate and long-term support to help individuals cope with grief and trauma.

What: Connect, a National Best Practice Program, will facilitate a training on suicide postvention (healing and reducing risk after a suicide) for the Norfolk and Northeast Nebraska area.

Why: A suicide or other untimely traumatic death can have a devastating impact on a community. The shock and grief goes well beyond immediate family and friends, and can have a ripple effect on many others in the community. This training provides national best practices in responding to a suicide death to reduce risk and promote healing for individuals, families, communities, schools and organizations.

Who should attend? Managers and front-line staff in law enforcement, fire, education, social services, mental health and substance abuse, EMS, school staff, spirituality leaders and funeral directors.

Training Highlights:

· Community response to the suicide death of a client or community member

· Recognizing warning signs for suicide in clients or other community members after a suicide death

· Suicide related phenomena (contagion, pacts, clusters, copycat suicides)

· Strategies for encouraging help-seeking, reducing stigma, and promoting healing

· Best practices on communicating safely about suicide and working with the media

· Funeral and memorial guidelines and resources for families touched by suicide.

· Understanding the needs and experience of survivors of suicide loss

· Promoting collaboration among key stakeholders

· Strategies for reducing the risk of contagion, especially with youth

· Awareness of the complexity of suicide-related grief and its cultural context

· Protocols for organizations, schools and/or communities who lose someone to suicide