Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is AFSP’s flagship suicide prevention education program that covers the scope of this leading cause of death, what the research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and the strategies that prevent it. In 2024, this presentation was refreshed based on feedback from presenters, content experts, and people with lived experience, resulting in a more inclusive presentation and design with additional strategies and examples for how to have a conversation about suicide.

Topics covered include:

• Scope of the Problem: The latest data on suicide in the U.S.

• Research: Information from research on what causes people to consider suicide, how certain communities are impacted by suicide differently, as well as contributors to suicide risk

• Prevention: An understanding of the protective factors that lower suicide risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care

• What You Can Do: Guidance on warning signs and behaviors to look for, how to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about, and ways to seek and offer support and crisis resources for yourself or others.

 Presenter: Deni Jo Ballanger is a trained volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Minnesota Chapter.  She is the AFSP Minnesota Chapter Programs Chair and serves as the chair for the AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walk in St. Cloud.

CLE: 1.5 hours of CLE Credit to be applied for.

This training is free.