THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: A CONFERENCE ON SUICIDE INFORMATION – INTERVENTION – HOPE
Our inaugural conference offered attendees a wealth of content. Over three days, close to 500 people attended and rated the conference an overwhelming success. Included below is an overview of the conference.
THURSDAY PRE-CONFERENCE
Sessions began Thursday morning aimed at approximately 155 first responders, medical and nursing students and residents, physicians and hospital emergency department personnel with a focus on the Zero Suicide initiative. Breakfast and lunch were provided.
FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING WORKSHOP
A workshop for first responders was offered on Thursday afternoon.
FILM PREMIERE
Thursday evening, more than 200 community leaders and distinguished members of the healthcare community and the general public attended a preview of the new film, Death is Not the Answer, produced and directed by documentary filmmaker, Keith Famie and co- produced by KnowResolve and Kevin’s Song. Frank McGeorge MD, WDIV Channel 4 Medical Consultant, was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
SATURDAY SURVIVOR CONFERENCE
Saturday sessions, attended by 100 people, focused on helping survivors of suicide cope with loss and grief. Following lunch, the conference closed with a creative Healing Ceremony.
EXHIBITORS
Located on the Gallery level of the hotel, outside the breakout rooms, 20 exhibitors provided valuable information and resources. A list of exhibitors are included on pp.40-42 in the Conference Program.