Suicide Prevention Training Sessions Planned on Maui

State Building, Wailuku. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The state Department of Health is sponsoring two training sessions on Maui for individuals interested in helping with suicide prevention and awareness efforts.

The three-hour workshops entitled “safeTALK: Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep Safe” are planned at the following times and locations:

• Friday, April 4, 12:45 to 4 p.m.: Conference Room B on the 3rd floor of the State Office Building located at 54 South High Street in Wailuku.
• Monday, May 5, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.: University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, Laulima Room 106, in Kahului.

Organizers say a minimum capacity of 15 participants are needed for each session.

Participants will learn how to recognize and support a person with thoughts of suicide by “moving beyond a common tendency to dismiss or avoid” the issue.

This training will provide instruction in how to properly connect a person to first aid and intervention caregivers.

Online registration is available through the an event organizing website. Questions can be directed via email to [email protected].

An event flyer cautions against participation for those who have experienced a recent loss to suicide, saying they may find attendance very difficult. Survivor resources are available through the Department of Health.