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November 5, 2009

Athens Church of God to host suicide prevention workshop

By Karen Middleton

A suicide prevention program used widely by the U.S. military is now being made available to local caregivers.

Dave Hood, pastor of Athens Church of God, said the two-day workshop is not faith based, but as a retired military chaplain, he is familiar with the program and offered the facilities of the church.

One of those participating in the training exercises will be Army Chaplain Jon Fisher, who stationed at Redstone Arsenal.

“ASIST—Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training—was begun by a Canadian organization in the early 1980s,” said Fisher. “It is for pastors, the military, counselors, law enforcement, school districts, EMTs—anyone who has contact with the general public.”

However, both Hood and Fisher say ASIST workshops are also available to anyone from the public who wants to learn more about suicide intervention, which could be family members of those at risk.

Registration is limited to 30 people. Participants will break up into groups to include role-playing.

The workshop is not intended to be a therapy session, but a learning session in which listening skills are stressed.

“We say it’s all right to talk about it—it’s safe here,” said Root. “You must create a safe environment where those at risk know it’s okay to talk.”

Fisher said those training in suicide intervention are not considered counselors, but someone who, in effect, administers first aid until the person can get help from a professional.

Root said workshop participants would be taught to recognize the signs a person exhibits when contemplating suicide. He said the best time for intervention is when the at-risk person is in the “ambivalent” stage.

“People you might be dealing with want to get help—they are ambivalent because they have not made the decision to commit suicide,” said Root.

“We are offering hope,” said Fisher. “Regardless of pre-conceived notions, you can still help someone. They need someone to befriend them and help them see that there are other options.”

Continuing Education Units are available. Call Root at (256) 232-9021 or e-mail David.Root@us.army.mil to register.

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