NATCHITOCHES – The Pi Delta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society at Northwestern State University, the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling and the NSU Department of Social Work will sponsor a suicide awareness workshop from 1-4 p.m. Friday Jan. 31 in the NSU TV Studio, Kyser Hall Room 142.
This event is open to students, faculty, staff and the general public.
According to organizer Dr. Susan Campbell, assistant professor in NSU’s Department of Social Work, the average suicide prevention lifeline call is 20 minutes or less.
“During this brief period, helpline staff assess lethality and collaborate with callers to develop a safety plan,” Campbell said. “This workshop offers participants strategies for assessing lethality and the development of a safety plan with individuals in crisis.”
A brief overview of local lifeline statistics from the prior year will be presented, with case study examples explored by the participants. A panel discussion with helpline specialists who have taken calls in northwest Louisiana will conclude the workshop. All participants will leave with a copy of a risk assessment and a safety plan.
Guest speaker will be Janet Miller, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Compulsive Gambling, a non-profit that provides assistance to individuals and families affected by gambling, substance abuse or suicide. Miller is licensed and credentialed in several areas of counseling that address addictions and other issues.
For more information, contact Campbell at campbellsu@nsula.edu. Sign up is available online at nsu.la/SAWorkshop.
