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Live Webinar

Suicide Education and Response

Sherrard Crespo, LCSW
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Information

Date & Time

Description

For professionals in any care- or help-giving field, developing a baseline competency and comfort level in addressing suicidal ideation is essential. This presentation equips participants with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to recognize, understand, and safely respond to individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide. Through a blend of empirical data analysis and actionable frameworks, attendees will examine the latest statistical trends to better understand the scope of this crisis. Additionally, the presentation will explore specialized intervention strategies tailored for various environments, included school-based settings. Participants will move past the discomfort often associated with this topic, building the confidence required to provide meaningful, evidence-based, life-saving support.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Examine current statistics, demographic trends, and the epidemiological landscape of suicidal ideation.

  • Identify common misconceptions and systemic stigma to foster a more empathetic and accurate understanding of suicide.

  • Distinguish between suicidal ideation and acute attempt risk to ensure appropriate, proportional levels of intervention.

  • Implement actionable techniques for facilitating supportive, non-judgmental conversations, developing collaborative safety plans, and establishing effective follow-up protocols.

  • Outline the collaborative roles and communication required among providers, school staff, families, and community mental health resources during a crisis response.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this presentation is to educate clinicians on the prevalence of suicide in our communities and gain comfort in asking directly and responding to suicide risk. Participants will acquire active listening frameworks to explore patient ambivalence, facilitate safety planning, and establish structured follow-up protocols.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Sherrard Crespo, LCSW
Sherrard Crespo, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker ( who obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University in 2017. Her professional background is highlighted by her work with suicide education, prevention, intervention, and postvention. Sherrard is currently employed with VIA LINK in the position of Vice President of External Affairs where her current duties include: clinical oversight of VIA LINK's 24/7 contact center, community outreach and education on VIA LINK services as well as specialized skills and information on suicide response, crisis intervention, grief, and trauma. Sherrard also facilitates VIA LINK’s support group: Survivors of Suicide Loss. She also serves as Director of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL), Louisiana’s chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America in which her current focus includes education and advocacy for the community and professionals to support Louisiana families and prevent child abuse.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Aetna Better Health of Louisiana