ASIST suicide prevention “first aid training,” April 3 and 4

Northern Virginia Community College, in partnership with the Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia, will host the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). This important event will be held on Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4 from 8:20 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day. Training will be located in Fairfax, Va. 

Just as CPR skills make first aid possible during a medical event, ASIST teaches the skills to provide suicide prevention first aid.

Why it matters: ASIST is the most widely used intervention skills training in the United States. This two-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course is 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.

How to participate: Due to 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. Some professional organizations offer CEUs (continuing education units) for ASIST attendance. Click here for details or check with your own professional board.

Register online. Please be sure to register for the training that is taking place at Northern Virginia Community College.

If you have questions please contact Regina Sanders, OWMH, or the Training Director for Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia, Jane Wiggins.

—Regina Sanders, director of the office of wellness and mental health (OWMH)