United Way Association of South Carolina (UWASC) is now offering Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. Participants learn to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.
For many years, UWASC’s 2-1-1 contact center staff have completed ASIST training and received certification in suicide counseling as a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. With nearly 4,000 crisis/suicide counseling calls in 2016, we understand the continuous need for trained professionals and caregivers. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death overall in South Carolina and nearly twice as many people die by suicide than by homicide annually in the state.[1]
Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants do not need any formal training to attend the workshop. Anyone 16 years or older can learn the skills to intervene and save a life from suicide. Professionals, as well as members of the community at large, have all found great value in ASIST over the years. Many professionals attend ASIST because suicide intervention skills are essential to their work. In many organizations, ASIST is a mandatory component of training. Nurses, physicians, mental health professionals, pharmacists, teachers, counselors, youth workers, law enforcement, first responders, correctional staff, school support staff, clergy, and volunteers have all found that ASIST complements their existing training and knowledge.
UWASC recognizes that each of us can prevent suicide. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives. To learn more about ASIST or register for an upcoming workshop, visit www.uwasc.org/asist.
Upcoming ASIST Workshops
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October 11 - 12, 2017
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December 5 - 6, 2017
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January 23 - 24, 2018
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February 20 - 21, 2018
We are offering a preview of the training with an opportunity to learn more about the workshop and the benefits it offers. To sign-up for a demonstration, email asisttraining@uwasc.org.
ASIST Demonstrations
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October 5, 2017
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December 1, 2017
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January 11, 2018
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February 8, 2018
(American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2017)[1]