SafeTALK training suicide prevention program

Over the past few years I have been fortunate to be part of the Cortland Area Communities That Care coalition. I have witnessed firsthand the impact which a broad-based coalition can have in a community. As a result of these experiences with CACTC I have also had the good fortune to share some of the same coalition building principals and experiences in the development of the Central New York Suicide Prevention Coalition (CNYSPC), a coalition that is dedicated to suicide prevention.

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has devoted many resources to the issue of suicide prevention, postvention and interventions over the past few years. Collecting current data, developing educational outreach material such as the Suicide Prevention Education Awareness Kit (SPEAK), providing training and making suicide prevention a state wide priority are just a few examples of the activities the state has helped to coordinate. One of the more recent initiatives has been to encourage regions to develop coalitions dedicated to suicide prevention.

In December of 2007, CNYSPC met for the first time. Including representation from Madison, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oswego and Cortland Counties, the coalition is a broad based community coalition dedicated to the prevention of suicide through:

o advocacy for comprehensive and accessible clinical/crisis services

o promotion/provision of suicide awareness; prevention, education, and training for public and professional groups, survivors of suicide; and all others touched by suicide.

o sharing of information and resources among its members

Members represent State and County government, psychiatrists, educators, counselors, the faith-based community, veterans, the insurance industry, survivors and more. In a short period of time we had over 25 participants attending monthly meetings, receiving updates as to coalition happenings or both.

In a relatively short period of time the CNYSPC has begun developing the structure and framework to allow it to make a positive impact in the area of suicide prevention. Besides developing its mission and vision, the coalition has also been actively engaged in bringing suicide prevention training opportunities to the region.

It is one of these training opportunities which I would like to elaborate on. Through the support of OMH, various coalition members recently became facilitators of the SafeTALK suicide prevention program. SafeTALK is a half-day training meant for anyone in the community. It can teach individuals to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them with suicide first aid resources.

SafeTALK trainings are an effective way in which everyone can participate in helping to create a suicide safe community. Research has shown that the acute period of heightened risk for suicidal behavior is often only minutes or hours long (Hawton, K. 2007). Within those precious few minutes, an opportunity may present itself to make a difference, to help save a life. SafeTALK trainings are presented in a safe, supportive manner. They provide participants with the tools and strategies necessary to become an alert helper with the knowledge and confidence to connect people to available community resources.

During the next few months’ opportunities for businesses, faith based organizations and other community groups to attend SafeTALK training will become available in Cortland County. If you are interested in finding out more information about SafeTALK or other information related to suicide prevention, contact Garra Lloyd-Lester from Cortland County Mental Health at: 607-758-6100, ext. 256.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, you can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 911.

Garra Lloyd-Lester is Director of Cortland County's Prevention Services for Youth and the current Chair of Cortland Area Communities That Care Coalition.