ASIST Suicide Prevention Training
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: June 14, 2012
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released some startling statistics. The number of attempted teenage suicides has increased from just over 6% in 2009 to almost 8% in 2011.
But suicide prevention groups are trying their best to curb these increasing numbers by organizing educational events and training sessions.
"The top is a very lonely place to be, just like the bottom is, just like the sides are. And what we see is that when people feel lonely and isolated and like there's nobody they can talk to, some are going to struggle with thoughts of suicide and i was in that category," says ASIST trainer Hollis Easter.
But Hollis Easter wasn't in that category for long. He conquered his demons and became a prevention trainer. Now he wants to help others win their battles.
"I didn't have any of the risk factors but it was true. I've managed it make it through and i think part of my drive to keep doing this work is i don't want other people to have to do it on their own," says Easter.
Oneida County teen suicide rates are 6% higher than the national average. But suicide prevention coalitions are trying to change that by organizing events for caregivers and community members.
"We surveyed the community on what they wanted from us regarding suicide prevention and 94% of them said they wanted training and outreach, so we set up trainings throughout the entire year to help everyone in the community," says Mirana Nieto, Office Coordinator at Center for Family Life and Recovery.
ASIST, or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is a two-day interactive course teaching suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. One Child Life Specialist encourages people to be aware of signs and says if you see something-- say something.
"I'd rather have a mad friend than a dead friend. So if someone talks to you about something, don't keep it a secret. You need to have a mad friend rather than a dead friend," says Susan Cooper, Child Life Specialist.
But suicide prevention groups are trying their best to curb these increasing numbers by organizing educational events and training sessions.
"The top is a very lonely place to be, just like the bottom is, just like the sides are. And what we see is that when people feel lonely and isolated and like there's nobody they can talk to, some are going to struggle with thoughts of suicide and i was in that category," says ASIST trainer Hollis Easter.
But Hollis Easter wasn't in that category for long. He conquered his demons and became a prevention trainer. Now he wants to help others win their battles.
"I didn't have any of the risk factors but it was true. I've managed it make it through and i think part of my drive to keep doing this work is i don't want other people to have to do it on their own," says Easter.
Oneida County teen suicide rates are 6% higher than the national average. But suicide prevention coalitions are trying to change that by organizing events for caregivers and community members.
"We surveyed the community on what they wanted from us regarding suicide prevention and 94% of them said they wanted training and outreach, so we set up trainings throughout the entire year to help everyone in the community," says Mirana Nieto, Office Coordinator at Center for Family Life and Recovery.
ASIST, or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is a two-day interactive course teaching suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. One Child Life Specialist encourages people to be aware of signs and says if you see something-- say something.
"I'd rather have a mad friend than a dead friend. So if someone talks to you about something, don't keep it a secret. You need to have a mad friend rather than a dead friend," says Susan Cooper, Child Life Specialist.
