January 2023
WE’RE
HERE FOR
YOU Community Resource Team
Preventing Suicide Through
COMMUNITY EDUCATION In 2022, FirstLink presented trainings to build suicide-safer communities across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota. Our staff are certified instructors of both safeTALK, a 3-hour suicide alertness training, and ASIST, a 2-day suicide intervention workshop, developed by LivingWorks Education. safeTALK is a great start for those looking to become more suicide alert and prepared to offer help. Participants of safeTALK have shared that the workshop is very informative, stating that “more people in our community need to know that this training is readily available.” ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) offers more skills specific to providing suicide first aid. The ASIST workshop is a blend of instruction and practice, which allows caregivers to feel more confident in providing a suicide intervention. One
recent ASIST participant shared that “the simulations were helpful in giving real-life scenarios as well as actually feeling more comfortable saying ‘suicide’ out loud.” We also offer trainings such as Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Awareness, which explore offering support during various mental health challenges or crises, including panic attacks or substance use disorders. Altogether, FirstLink staff have presented to over 5,200 people in various communities throughout 2022! That is a whopping 189 hours spent training. Learn more about upcoming training opportunities at
myfirstlink.org/events.
Scan here to sign up
One of a FirstLink Call Specialist’s critical roles in suicide prevention is to connect people with resources that can help them through their short- and long-term struggles. This practice helps us create a network of support for those that are feeling isolated and alone. Our Community Resource Team plays the crucial role of making sure the resources we give to callers are accurate and up to date. In 2022, they worked hard to update the agencies within the database at a rate of 500 agencies each quarter. In addition to updating our current resources, the database team is responsible for adding new services and agencies as they arise. In 2022, the team added over 100 new services and agencies to the database. The database team would like to thank all the agencies that responded to requests to update or confirm their services. Your timely responses help us provide the best information and service to callers in need.
Scan this QR code to learn more