Postvention Support after a Suicide: Lessons Learned from Schools and Communities

Postvention Support after a Suicide: Lessons Learned from Schools and Communities

Conference: 2016 Beyond the Basics in Suicide Prevention — Suicide Prevention, Intervention & Hope Across the Lifespan

Friday, May 06, 2016
Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, Maine Workshop/Presentation: B3: Postvention Support after a Suicide: Lessons Learned from Schools and Communities – A presentation and panel discussion
MODERATOR: Greg A. Marley, LCSW | PANELISTS: Eric Johnson, PsyD, Ben Milster, MS Ed, and Lowell Libby, MEd, EdD

When someone dies by suicide or a significant suicide attempt occurs, the people exposed to the loss can feel overwhelmed by the grief reaction that follows. The impact of a suicide is felt in schools, colleges, healthcare practices and community organizations, as well as in families. Thoughtful and immediate response can assist in addressing grief needs and lower the risk for contagion or staff burnout. The immediate needs include providing clear information about what happened and rolling out support for those people most affected to help prevent the very real risk of contagion, or copycat suicide among the most vulnerable. It has long been recognized that good postvention support in the aftermath of a loss is also good suicide prevention. Join a group of suicide prevention experts, school and healthcare professionals for a session about suicide postvention needs, supports, and resources to help a community after a suicide crisis.