CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
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This conference will be held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual experiences. Virtual attendees will receive an email with instructions on how to attend. All attendees will have access to recordings of all sessions following the conference.
PARKING All attendees must park in the Park Central Garage (see Map). Bring your parking ticket to the registration table at the end of each day for validation. CEU credits have been approved! This program has been approved for up to 12 hours in-person CEUs or up to 28.5 hours if attendees watch any remaining recordings of all sessions. To obtain CEU credits please look for CEU Reporting log that must be filled out and submitted by November 29th for a certificate. SCHEDULE OVERVIEW - For detailed descriptions of each session scroll down |
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Monday, October 28
8:00 - 8:30 AM Registration & Breakfast 8:30 - 8:50 AM Welcome - Nikki Kontz, LMSW - Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition President 8:50 - 9:00 AM - State of the State - Josh Stegemeyer 9:00 - 10:30 AM - Suicide Prevention Advocacy, The Golden Gate Experience - Paul Muller 10:30 - 10:45 AM - Break 10:45 -12:15 PM - From Pain to Purpose: A story worth sharing -Jerry Reed, Ph.D., M.S.W. 12:15 - 1:00 PM - Lunch 1:15 - 2:45 PM - Breakout Sessions
3:00 -4:30 pm - Breakout Sessions
8:00 - 8:30 AM - Registration & Breakfast 8:30 - 10:00 AM - Suicide Loss as a Crisis of Meaning: Implications for Grief Therapy - Robert Neimeyer, Ph.D. 10:00 - 10:15 AM - Break 10:15 - 11:45 AM - Transcend and Transform: The Role of Honoring and the Arts in Shifting the Paradigm of Suicide Prevention - Swil Kanim 12:00 - 1:00 PM - Lunch 1:15 - 2:45 PM - Breakout Sessions
3:00 -4:30 pm - Breakout Sessions
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Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors
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Session Descriptions
Monday, October 28
8:00 - 8:30 AM Registration & Breakfast
8:30 - 8:50 AM Welcome - Nikki Kontz, LMSW - Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition President
8:50 - 9:00 AM - State of the State - Josh Stegemeyer
9:00 - 10:30 AM - Suicide Prevention Advocacy, The Golden Gate Experience - Paul Muller
This presentation will tell lessons learned from an 85 year struggle to stop suicides on the Golden Gate Bridge. It will do so from a perspective of several failed campaigns until a new strategy emerged that was successful. We will describe the early campaigns and discuss their shortcomings. The successful campaign, launched in 2004 will be analyzed in detail to reveal a strategy that can be applied to suicide prevention advocacy more broadly. We will also discuss how a public campaign for restricting easy access to lethal means brings to the public understanding suicide prevention.
10:30 - 10:45 AM - Break
10:45 -12:15 PM - From Pain to Purpose: A story worth sharing -Jerry Reed, Ph.D., M.S.W.
This session will inform attendees how and why the suicide prevention movement began in earnest around April 1996 and evolved since then to the unveiling of the 3rd US National Strategy for Suicide Prevention with a Federal Action Plan in April 2024. The powerful voice of Lived and Living Experience brought this leading cause of death to the attention of legislators with a call to action to take steps to prevention suicide in our nation. Much has been accomplished over the nearly 3 decades since the Reno Conference in 1998. We have 988, SPRC, federal and state grants, infrastructure, science, evidence and political will. This movement is a story that needs to be told as it presents a model for individuals to use their voices to bring about the kind of change they are seeking.
12:15 - 1:00 PM - Lunch
1:15 - 2:45 PM - Breakout Sessions
- Communications in an Advocacy Program - Paul Muller
Following the morning presentation of a three-part advocacy program used in the Golden Gate project— “organize, communicate and persist”, I will explore in more depth the communications aspect of the program. This will involve a discussion of the audiences to reach, how you might reach them, what tools are needed to ensure effective campaign communications and how to measure campaign progress. - Suicide Prevention through LGBTQ+ Inclusion - Hira Ismail
Because of the discrimination and harassment they face, LGBTQ+ people have higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts than their straight and cisgender counterparts. When addressing suicide prevention, it is necessary to target the specific needs of LGBTQ+ folks in order to combat this statistic. In this training, we'll review basic LGBTQ+ terminology, best practices for creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ folks, and personalized takeaways for attendees. - Mental Health Ministry: Catholic Communities Supporting Mental Health and Responding to Suicide - Ed Shoener
The president of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, Deacon Ed Shoener, and Bishop John Dolan from the Diocese of Phoenix co-authored the book Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders offering a guideline for how to provide spiritual support to those who have lost loved ones by suicide.
Many Catholic pastoral leaders feel ill-equipped to respond to the turmoil of those who face the death by suicide of a loved one. Responding to Suicide is the first book that takes a holistic approach to understanding suicide and ministering effectively in its aftermath.
Since the death of his daughter, Katie, who died by suicide in 2016, Ed has ministered to many who are grieving the death of a loved one by suicide. The mission of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers is to support Catholic parishes and dioceses in establishing mental health ministries. Mental health ministry provides vital spiritual accompaniment for people experiencing mental health challenges and mental illness, as well as those who care for them. - Arizona Suicide Mortality Review - Panel Discussion - Joshua Stegemeyer (facilitator) & SMR Panel members: Nicola Winkelm, Kelsey Manders, Sara Lind and Kindra Nelson
Suicide Mortality Review (SMR) is an important component of a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention. These reviews can provide key information about the population of focus and inform prevention activities to prevent further suicides. Statewide SMR has been under implementation in Arizona since 2020. Currently, Arizona operates 13 SMR teams, including the supervisory State SMR Team. Through participation in the VA/SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge Suicide Mortality Review Policy Academy, in 2024 Arizona launched the first of its kind Veteran Suicide Mortality Review (VSMR) team, the first population-specific SMR in the nation. This session's panel discussion among SMR team members will focus on the role of State SMR Team, the county SMR teams and the VSMR in suicide prevention; the necessity of locally develop suicide prevention recommendation; implementation strategies and challenges for teams; and how VSMR data will be used to inform upstream and downstream prevention efforts supporting Veterans statewide. Participants will gain knowledge about the SMR process and how to pursue incorporation of this approach into their state and community suicide prevention efforts, as well as have opportunities to engage the panel with question and answer.
2:45 - 3:00 pm - Break
3:00 -4:30 pm - Breakout Sessions
- DoD Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee Report - Jerry Reed, Ph.D., M.S.W. & Liz Clark, Ed.D.
This session will inform attendees on the details of the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee established by the Secretary of Defense in 2022 with the final report presented to Secretary Lloyd Austin in February 2023. We will briefly cover suicide in the military and the major steps DoD is taking to reduce suicides in our military. - Men, Loneliness, and Mental Health: Implications for Suicide Prevention - William Beverly, Ph.D., LMFT, CCHP
According to the CDC, the greatest protective factor in suicide prevention is social connectedness. This comes at a time in which individuals are reporting increasing levels of loneliness and social isolation. Both men and women are experiencing what researchers are referring to as an “epidemic of loneliness”, but the declines have been much steeper for men. This recession of social connection has a significant effect on men’s mental health. This workshop discusses this growing
phenomenon, with special emphasis on suicide prevention and mental health among this vulnerable population. - Bridging Cultures: Effective Suicide Prevention Approaches for Diverse Communities - Lolan Lauvao
This workshop explores the intricate cultural dynamics that influence suicidal behavior within Indigenous communities. Participants will gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and protective factors associated with suicide prevention in these cultural contexts. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to effectively engage and support individuals from these communities who may be at risk of suicide.
8:00 - 8:30 AM - Registration & Breakfast
8:30 - 10:00 AM - Suicide Loss as a Crisis of Meaning: Implications for Grief Therapy - Robert Neimeyer, Ph.D.
Research suggests that much of the complicated and prolonged grief that frequently follows bereavement by suicide is mediated by its assault on the survivor’s world of meaning, and the attendant struggle to make sense of (a) the relationship to the deceased, (b) the death itself, and (c) the survivor’s own identity in its aftermath. Viewing this struggle through the lens of the Tripartite Model of Meaning Reconstruction in Loss, we will first consider common obstacles to integrating such loss adaptively within survivors’ meaning systems, and the implications this carries for the construction of the therapeutic relationship as well as specific interventions to address each impasse. Paradoxically, however, the same effort after meaning can be a catalyst for post traumatic growth, which studies suggest is facilitated by identifiable psychological and social conditions. Illustrating these concepts with brief client videos, we conclude with general guidelines for conducting therapy with this traumatically bereaved
population.
10:00 - 10:15 AM - Break
10:15 - 11:45 AM - Transcend and Transform: The Role of Honoring and the Arts in Shifting the Paradigm of Suicide Prevention - Swil Kanim
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Swil Kanim, an indigenous man, US Army Veteran, classically trained violinist, native storyteller, and trauma survivor from the Lummi Nation. Swil Kanim’s extraordinary journey from facing racism and suffering to becoming a student of honor is deeply rooted in his discovery of the violin in the 4th grade. Through the power of music and storytelling, Swil Kanim found healing and embraced the responsibility to express himself honestly and authentically. In this transformative discussion, Swil Kanim will share how the arts played a crucial role in his recovery and how engaging in the arts and the practice of honoring can shift the paradigm of suicide prevention.
12:00 - 1:00 PM - Lunch
1:15 - 2:45 PM - Breakout Sessions
- Grief Therapy for Traumatic Loss: Integrating the Narrative of the Death (PART 1) - Robert Neimeyer, Ph.D. & Carolyn Ng, PsyD, MMSAC, RegCLR
Particularly when a death is tragic and untimely, as when a significant person dies by suicide, overdose or fatal accident, grief can be complicated by a gamut of challenging emotions, ranging from horror and helplessness to anger and incomprehension. In such cases, grief therapy needs to adopt a carefully tailored approach that recognizes the role of trauma in impeding the mourner’s integration of the loss.We will begin by considering how we can quickly assess our clients’ needs in terms of the Tripartite Model of Meaning Reconstruction in bereavement, featuring obstacles to processing the event story of the death, accessing the back story of the relationship with the deceased, and revising the personal story of the mourner’s own sense of identity in the shadow of loss. We will then continue with a discussion of the power of presence as a fundamental dimension of the therapeutic “holding environment” that makes deep work possible with highly vulnerable and traumatized survivors. This will provide a context for studying how to facilitate a healing “re-telling” of the loss experience under conditions of emotional regulation, deliberation and sense-making regarding the dying narrative. Drawing on clinical videos of clients contending with losses through both sudden natural death, accidents and suicide, we will learn to listen between the lines of the stories clients tell themselves and others about the death and how we can help them integrate the narrative of the loss into their lives with less reactivity and greater meaning. Note: Part 1 will describe and illustrate procedures for trauma-informed grief therapy - Let's talk: Building Open and Meaningful Conversations about Mental Health with Our Youth - Paula McCall, Ph.D.
Opening supportive and non-judgmental conversations with youth is critical and yet so often a challenge to both begin and maintain. This workshop will address the key aspects of conversations with youth, ranging from opening of general discussions to addressing potential suicide risk and crisis. Additional aspects related to general mental health support on a daily basis also will be discussed, including use of supportive language, development of coping planning, and recognition of oneself as a model of self-care. - The Pathway to Hitting Reset for Energy, Clarity & Joy - Jessica Dela Rosa, MBA, MSN, RN
In this session we'll discuss how our individual unique stressors can easily wash us away in our day to day, the dangers of ignoring our overwhelming stress as we push through, and talk about some practical and meaningful ways to taking back control. This is a workshop presentation. The audience will be engaged in reflection and sharing ideas. - Cultivating Community Relationships to Implement Community Change - Jaime Lee, MPH & Anna Pacheco, MBA
This workshop will share our story about how a small behavioral health services prevention team built the capacity to raise awareness for suicide prevention which led to the development of a leadership driven approach to enhancing suicide/substance use prevention awareness in an indigenous community.
3:00 -4:30 pm - Breakout Sessions
- Grief Therapy for Traumatic Loss: Integrating the Narrative of the Death (PART 2) - Robert Neimeyer, Ph.D. & Carolyn Ng, PsyD, MMSAC, RegCLR
"Particularly when a death is tragic and untimely, as when a significant person dies by suicide, overdose or fatal accident, grief can be complicated by a gamut of challenging emotions, ranging from horror and helplessness to anger and incomprehension. In such cases, grief therapy needs to adopt a carefully tailored approach that recognizes the role of trauma in impeding the mourner’s integration of the loss.We will begin by considering how we can quickly assess our clients’ needs in terms of the Tripartite Model of Meaning Reconstruction in bereavement, featuring obstacles to processing the event story of the death, accessing the back story of the relationship with the deceased, and revising the personal story of the mourner’s own sense of identity in the shadow of loss. We will then continue with a discussion of the power of presence as a fundamental dimension of the therapeutic “holding environment” that makes deep work possible with highly vulnerable and traumatized survivors. This will provide a context for studying how to facilitate a healing “re-telling” of the loss experience under conditions of emotional regulation, deliberation and sense-making regarding the dying narrative. Drawing on clinical videos of clients contending with losses
through both sudden natural death, accidents and suicide, we will learn to listen between the lines of the stories clients tell themselves and others about the death and how we can help them integrate the narrative of the loss into their lives
with less reactivity and greater meaning. Note: Part 2 will demonstrate these in and experiential practicum.
Learning" - Building Connection Through Safe Spaces and Comfort - Rebecca Montoya Wright, BA, MEd, LPC, NCC
Workshop will explore helpful strategies and information to share with young people, including: the still-developing teenage brain; how assumptions are harmful; how resiliency improves healthy coping skills, effective communication, and increases decision making skills; the importance of young people tagging in trusted adults when they are concerned for themselves, a friend or another; strategies and supports to respond to a concern; critical support of nonjudgmental listening skills; and creating/distributing comfort kits as a tool for those experiencing a significant challenge (trauma, death in the family, mental health concern, etc.). - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Arizona - Paloma Kwiedacz, LCSW
This presentation will highlight the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, its development, and progress since its implementation in July 2022. Data will be shared regarding usage and response of calls, texts, and chats on the national level, and there will be a specific focus on the integration of this service into Arizona's crisis system along with data in comparison to the local crisis lines. Information will also be shared related to communication strategies for 988 to the various communities throughout Arizona and nationally. - Breaking the Silence: Empowering College Campuses to Address Suicide and Promote Mental Health - Julie Lazzara, Ph.D.
In this workshop, Dr. Lazzara will share real-world examples of how her community college is successfully creating a culture of support and prevention around suicide. Learn how they've raised awareness, integrated prevention into everyday campus life, and empowered students to support each other. Through group discussions and brainstorming, you'll leave with practical ideas and strategies that you can adapt to your own college, making it a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
This workshop is ideal for college faculty, administrators, mental health professionals, student leaders, and community partners seeking to create a more supportive campus environment for student mental health.