1. Have become energized and inspired to continue the work they do in providing crisis services;
2. Have increased their understanding of the role they perform in the provision of crisis services within their communities; and,
3. Be more engaged with the restorative power of deep connection and building unity.

Reducing Stigma and Defeating Depression and Suicide with The Columbia Protocol
An All Hands Policy Tool and Whole Community Solution

The field is moving away from the strictly medical model towards a public health approach to suicide prevention and requires an effective, portable suicide risk assessment tool. This talk will demonstrate how the Columbia Protocol has been successful in meeting the need for a common language across public health settings and expediting suicide prevention efforts.

The Columbia Protocol is a few simple questions that anyone can ask, from support staff to loved ones, that empower individuals and communities to find people who are at risk for suicide, connect them to the care they need and prevent tragedies before they happen.
The Columbia Protocol has become the gold standard for suicide monitoring and is ubiquitous across the U.S. and worldwide. As policy across all 50 states, national agencies, and most countries, it has helped achieve reductions in suicide across all sectors of society and around the globe.

Learning Objectives 
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Understand how preventative suicide screening models can be used to identify at-risk individuals and establish care plans that reduce suicide while allocating resources effectively;

2. Utilize a systemic best-practice measurement, the C-SSRS, to identify suicidal ideation and behavior to improve risk identification and safety monitoring, which ultimately aids prevention;

3. Demonstrate how the C-SSRS enables more streamlined triage, provides liability protection and facilitates care delivery to those at highest risk; and,

4. Identify steps taken to implement a comprehensive screening program within an agency.

This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

1. Identify at least 5 common characteristics associated with autism;
2. State three ways they can support communication with a person on the autism spectrum; and,
3. Identify two best practices for autism specific verbal de-escalation.

1. Recognize the three major components of the Campaign;
2. Identify next steps for their agency to incorporate the Be the One Campaign; and,
3. Identify next steps for improving suicide prevention within their agency.

1. Understand the positive and negative impacts of helping others;
2. Understand how exposure to others' trauma can lead to secondary traumatic stress; and,
3. Understand how the use of ProQol can assist in maintaining positive self-care.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes and steps taken in order to develop and maintain positive working relationships with law enforcement;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes and steps taken to develop and maintain open, positive working relationships between agencies; and,
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes and steps taken to overcome typical barriers to working effectively together as community partners.

1. Understand methods for assessing risk for persons with ID/D during a crisis event
2. Know the signs/symptoms that people with ID/D may present that may require hospitalization
3. Know at least 3 of the options for community-based supports and services when a person with ID/D does not meet criteria for hospitalization

1. Describe technology strategies in Crisis Call Centers;
2. Describe evaluation outcomes (e.g., lessons learned, overall effectiveness) of Centerstone’s Crisis Call Center; and,
3. Summarize the significance and potential impact of the Hotline Improvement Act.

1. Have a greater understanding of the function and operations of VCL, including where to receive more information;
2. Have gained a greater understanding of how to reach VCL via phone, chat, and text; and,
3. Have become more aware of VA’s Public Health approach to suicide prevention, including both community-based prevention and clinically-based intervention strategies, and how they can be a part of the mission to end Veteran suicide.

1. Received tips for improving their own mental/emotional state;
2. Learned how to adjust to a situation where they have little control; and,
3. Gathered ideas for improving their health in the areas of sleep, nutrition and exercise.