Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Training for All School Staff

Rationale
Research has shown that brief training for adults is effective at increasing their capacity to identify, support, and refer at-risk youth. Many people know how to perform CPR for heart attacks. Adults in schools should also know how to identify suicide warning signs and how to respond to a student who may be contemplating suicide. This type of workshop is often referred to as “Gatekeeper Training,” because people who get trained are able to work with kids to get through a gateway to getting help. Through training, staff members understand that they do not need to be mental health professionals to help a student in crisis. Nor do they increase the risk of suicide by asking if students have thought about hurting themselves. Once they know the simple steps, they reduce the likelihood of suicides in their students. This training is appropriate for all school staff, administrators, and volunteers. There are numerous ways to obtain training such as this. You can use the webcast featured below, or contact other trainers in Wisconsin who can come to your school to meet directly with your staff. Currently, we are aware of the two organizations below offering basic suicide prevention or Gatekeeper training for schools and communities:

• Mental Health America of Wisconsin
• Helping Others Prevent and Educate about Suicide

DPI’s Gatekeeper Training Webcast
This brief workshop for all adults who work or volunteer in schools teaches a simple and effective skill for suicide prevention: ACT.
A = Acknowledge the signs and symptoms
C = show Care and Concern for the person
T = Tell someone who knows how to intervene (pupil services staff)

In this 25-minute presentation, School Psychologist John Humphries from DPI discusses relevant data about youth suicide in Wisconsin, risk factors, early and late warning signs, and suggests methods for dealing with suicidal students including ACT. ACT is a central skill taught in an evidence-based youth suicide prevention program called SOS-Signs of Suicide. SOS has been shown to reduce suicidal acts in youth. It is also an important skill for adults to know and be able to apply.

Connect to the Gatekeeper Training Video DPI’s Mediasite Viewer allows you to view live, on-demand, or stand-alone presentations—including synchronized support materials such as slide images—using your Web browser. This on-demand presentation can be played-back any time. Watching a presentation using Mediasite Viewer is virtually the same as being in the room with the presenter. The presentation begins playing automatically when you click the link below. The Mediasite Viewer window includes separate controls for the video and slide show portions of a presentation. If you experience connection problems, use the help menu in the pop up page.

• Click here to download the PowerPoint slides from the webcast
• Click here to view the webcast

Options for using the DPI training video

1. Connect a computer to an LCD projector and speakers and show the presentation to your entire school staff. You will need to be connected to the internet.
2. Use the video as an opportunity for you to learn enough to give the presentation at your site.

John Humphries is also available to take questions over the phone with a speakerphone connected on your site after the webcast is finished. John can also help you get county-level youth suicide attempt and completion data to make your presentation more relevant. Contact him at (608) 266-7189 or john.humphries@dpi.wi.gov.

For questions about this information, contact John P. Humphries (608) 266-7189

Last updated on 8/15/2008 10:53:08 AM