Suicide Prevention Training

“80 people per day kill themselves,” Wanda Edwards told substance abuse clinicians and provider staff during the SEMCA sponsored suicide prevention training held at Henry Ford Community College. “We try to convince ourselves that this just can’t be right—but it is true,” she continued. Another training was held the month prior at Monroe County Community College for substance abuse providers of that region. Health and Business Consultant, Wanda Edwards, APRN, has been recognized for her leadership in health promotion and community health outreach programs. She has more than 20 years of experience as a health care provider and health educator.	Wanda Edwards, conducted the suicide prevention training.
Objectives of the training included: Understanding the mindset of someone who is suicidal Identifying risk factors associated with increased suicidal tendencies Identifying single variable predictors found to be present in most suicides Describing key features of current strategies aimed at risk management and reduction of suicidal risk behavior Developing treatment plans that include consideration of four components related to reducing risk for suicidal behavior Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide rates are especially high for people who abuse their bodies with drugs. “Many people who are on drugs are just committing suicide slowly,” Wanda stated. For some clients it is difficult for clinicians to assess whether the patient is suicidal because they are on drugs or taking drugs because they feel suicidal. “It’s a which came first, the chicken or the egg dilemma,” Wanda stated. Assessment of the client and current factors in their life can be critical to developing a course of treatment. “There are no set formulas that say if you follow steps A, B, and C, you will prevent someone from committing suicide,” Wanda told the crowd. Once factors are identified, clinicians need to determine the level of intervention that is needed.	Wanda Edwards, addressing the class.
Wanda also spoke about the ten risk factors that have been statistically demonstrated to increase suicidal feelings. Wanda urged the attendees to know their own strengths and weaknesses including their skills, experience and expertise. She told them about the options that are available to them if their attempts to help a client do not seem to be working.	Crisis Line/24 hour suicide prevention hotline 1–866–289–2641 or 1–800–811–4211
“74 people from 28 different providers will now be better prepared to deal with this critical issue while serving their SEMCA clients.” said SEMCA Substance Abuse Services Manager Denise Norman.

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