Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day at the State House

Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day at the State House

Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition

Suicide is a leading health problem in Vermont and the 8th leading cause of death in the state. Vermont ranks 21st highest in the nation for rates of suicide with an average of 2-3 residents lost to suicide every week.

We have all experienced another difficult year with a continuation of unexpected changes to daily life. Vermonters continue to experience social isolation, economic stress, negative health impacts and mental health challenges. Now is the time for prevention!

The Vermont Suicide Prevention Center will be holding two consecutive sessions for the Vermont legislature on February 28th. This event will feature speakers addressing suicide prevention in Vermont - Suicide Prevention in Public Health and Barriers to Mental Health Care from Those with Lived Experience.

Register to attend one or both!

A zoom meeting link will be sent to everyone who registers.

The following topics will be addressed:

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Monday, February 28, 2022 - Two Sessions

Register to attend one or both!

9:00 - 9:45 am

Suicide Prevention in Public Health

● Suicide as a Public Health Issue

● Mental Health Workforce in Suicide Prevention

● Means Reduction Strategies

● The Importance of Lifelines and 988

. Suicide as Public Health Issue

Kirk Postlewaite, Senior Program Specialist, Center for Health and Learning

· Mental Health Workforce

Julie Tessler , Executive Director, Vermont Council of Development and Mental Health Services/Vermont Care Partners

· Firearm Safety

Seton Mcilroy, Moms Demand Action for Gun Safety.

and

. Intentional Self Poisoning

Tom Delaney, Associate Professor Department of Pediatrics , UVM

· 988/Lifeline Centers

Tony Stevens, Northwestern Counseling and Support Services

10:00 - 10:45 am

Barriers to Mental Health Care from Those with Lived Experience

This session will highlight the voices of Vermonters with lived experience, focusing on the importance of reducing barriers to care to help prevent suicide.

· 988 and Suicide Prevention Hotline : Jodi Girouard

· Abenaki Culture: Holly LaFrance

· Veteran: Joe Smith

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The event will take place February 28th and begin at 9:00 am on Zoom.

The first session will be 45 minutes long and will run from 9-9:45. The second session will run from 10– 10:45.

Both sessions will feature a ten minute Q&A session at the end and there will be a five minute break in between the two sessions.

Who Should Attend?

Interested members of the community are welcome to attend this free event organized by the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center.