Bridging the Divide: Colorado State University to Host Multi-Disciplinary Conference on Suicide Prevention May 20-21

Researchers, clinicians, bereaved families and passionate advocates will work together to address a critical public health problem with the third annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Summit hosted by the Colorado State University Colorado Injury Control Research Center May 20-21.

The goal of this multi-disciplinary conference, titled “Bridging the Divide: Suicide Awareness & Prevention Summit,” is to unite stakeholders to advance statewide and national efforts to impact the high suicide rate in Colorado. Colorado has the ninth highest rate of suicide in the nation.

To register or to find more information about the conference, go to http://psy.psych.colostate.edu/cicrc/SPsummit2010.asp or contact Sally Spencer-Thomas, executive director of the Carson J Spencer Foundation and conference co-chair at 720-746-4167 or Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org. Online registration ends May 13.

“The Bridging the Divide Summit is a unique opportunity for those interested in learning more about suicide prevention and intervention to convene for two days of learning, networking and building partnerships,” said Jarrod Hindman, program director for Colorado’s Office of Suicide Prevention.

Colorado has taken great strides in advancing suicide prevention efforts since 2000 when the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Advisory Commission released the State of Colorado’s Suicide Prevention and Intervention Plan. Those efforts led to the creation of the Office of Suicide Prevention at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Additionally, Colorado foundations and local, grassroots agencies are addressing the task of reducing suicide deaths in Colorado – efforts that are being recognized and modeled nationally.

“Suicide remains a significant public health issue in Colorado and far too many die by or attempt suicide each year,” Hindman said. “Fortunately, Colorado is a leader in convening stakeholders, rallying support for suicide prevention efforts, implementing innovative programs and supporting suicide prevention initiatives statewide.”

The conference will bring together the best minds and most passionate advocates for suicide prevention. The keynote speaker is Thomas Joiner, Distinguished Research Professor and Bright-Burton Professor in psychology at Florida State University. He is the author of “Why People Die by Suicide,” and “Myths About Suicide” (in press). Joiner’s numerous radio, print and television appearances have included The Wall Street Journal, Men’s Health, The Times of London and the Dr. Phil Show.

Other featured speakers include:
• Anara Guard, deputy director for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Michelle Linn-Gust, international author and president-elect of the American Association of Suicidology, and
• Nancy Rappaport, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard University Medical School and author of “In Her Wake.”

Peak sponsors include the Colorado Injury Control Research Center at Colorado State, The Colorado Trust, the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call the 24-hour suicide prevention
lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).

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