Suicide Prevention: Increasing Awareness and Action

Date: Friday, Nov. 19, 2021
Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Virtual Workshop via Zoom
Presented by: Carol Thomas, MSSW
Fee: $99
CEH/CEUs: 4.5 CEHs/0.4 CEUs

Suicide is a major public health concern. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) over 48,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2018; it is the 10th leading cause of death overall. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can save lives. This workshop will provide information on the signs, symptoms, and behaviors of what to look for in someone who may be suicidal. In addition, it will identify risk factors and characteristics that may contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. Content will also identify those groups that may be at a heightened risk for suicide. This workshop will discuss methods to screen, assess and provide brief interventions to those at risk for suicide and will share resources available for clients and mental health providers to access in the community.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Identify the signs, symptoms, and behaviors that that may be present in a suicidal person;
• Be alert to risk factors and certain characteristics that increase the risk of suicide;
• Identify the basic components in a suicide screen and assessment and how to document that it has occurred;
• Increase awareness of interventions and treatment approaches used to treat individuals who may be suicidal;
• Identify resources available to assist clients and providers in the community.

Trainer Biography

Carol Thomas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin who has worked in the mental health field (both inpatient and outpatient treatment) for over 35 years. Thomas earned her social work degree (MSSW) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She retired from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she was the Director of Social Services providing clinical support, training and leadership to the social work department and other staff. Thomas has taught social work courses including social welfare policy, social work ethics and teamwork and interprofessional practice at the graduate and undergraduate level for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She currently works as a Behavioral Specialist for the Outpatient Competency Restoration Program (OCRP).

Throughout her career, Thomas has been passionate about working with individuals with mental illness and supporting suicide prevention and has remained a strong advocate for clients’ rights.

CEH/CEU Requirements: For the March 1, 2021 – February 28, 2023 biennium, 30 continuing education credit hours are required. Of those, 4 credit hours must be in social work ethics and professional boundaries.

Social work training programs sponsored by the Northeast Wisconsin Alliance for Social Worker Continuing Education will be accepted by the State of Wisconsin as continuing education hours. Full attendance at the workshop will earn continuing education hours.

• Professional Counselor CEH: The UW Oshkosh Department of Counselor Education, accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Program (CACREP) has approved these workshops for continuing education hours.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Workshop participants can receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for their full participation in each workshop.

In the event of late arrival and/or early departure, amended certificates indicating the actual number of credit hours earned will be provided upon calling our office.

Student Rate: Students currently enrolled in the UW Oshkosh Social Work Program may register at a reduced rate of $25. You must register using your UW Oshkosh email address and include your seven-digit student ID number.

Registration Deadlines: The registration deadline for each of the workshops is 10 business days before the program starts. After this date, please call the UW Oshkosh Division of Online and Continuing Education at (920) 424-1129 to determine program availability.

Credit and debit card payments will only be accepted electronically. OCE will no longer accept credit and debit card payments via phone, mail, or fax.

Questions and More Information: Questions concerning registration and program content should be directed to the Division of Online and Continuing Education, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901-8623. Please call (920) 424-1129.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received 10 business days before the program will receive a full refund, minus a $35 processing charge. No refunds will be given for cancellations received less than 10 business days before the program. UW Oshkosh reserves the right to cancel any program due to insufficient enrollment, as well as the right to limit enrollment due to excessive demand. UW Oshkosh is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. If you need special assistance and/or accommodations, please notify us by the registration deadline. All requests will be kept confidential.

Program Manager: The program manager for these workshops is Jason Hubbard. We are continuously looking for new and diverse program ideas. You can contact Jason at (920) 424-1129. You may also email him at hubbardj@uwosh.edu.

Click Here for a listing of Social Work and Counseling programs offered by University of Wisconsin Green Bay Continuing Professional Education.