NOVA Police, OWMH to Host ASIST Suicide Prevention “First Aid,” April 6 and 7

NOVA Police, along with the Office of Wellness and Mental Health, is partnering with the Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia, to host the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) from on Thursday and Friday, April 6 and 7, from 8:20 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day in Alexandria, Va.

ASIST is the most widely used intervention skills training in the U.S. It is a two-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help caregivers recognize risk for suicide, intervene to prevent immediate harm and help persons at risk participate in planning for safety whenever possible.

Just as CPR skills make physical first aid possible, ASIST teaches the skills needed in suicide prevention first aid.

ASIST is often used by people in a variety of school, campus and community roles. It is for all caregivers (any person in a position of trust, regardless of the age group served). Participants often include school and campus student support staff, community counselors, case workers, nurses, campus security/police, probation and correctional officers, clergy and any ‘natural helper’ who works in the field of human service.

Because of the generous support of the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Injury and Violence Prevention, this training will be offered at no cost to participants who work in Virginia. ASIST is typically valued at $275. All training materials will be provided. 

Space is limited to 30 participants. Because of the demand for seats, please register only if you are able to attend the full two days and are not on call for other duties during that time.

All participants will receive documentation for 14 hours of instruction. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensure are available upon request. Please register online here. Contact Sergeant Tony Ong at tong@nvcc.eduwith questions.

Submitted by:
Sgt. Tony Ong, NOVA Police, TOng@nvcc.edu