Faith leaders have many roles in their congregations, as well as community. Suicide has become a public health crisis, what role will faith leaders assume to help, especially for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF)? Faith leaders and members in non-clergy (lay) roles are often trusted during hard times. Because of that trust, they can be important partners in preventing suicide.
Suicide prevention aligns with the role faith leaders have in their communities, and there are important ways they can help change the stigma surrounding suicide and assist in saving lives.
Explains how people can serve in the military, what makes the military community unique, some of the challenges associated with military life, and highlights opportunities to engage and support this population.
A nationally recognized suicide prevention course where attendees learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
Informs participants of their role in preventing suicide by reducing access to lethal means, particularly firearms. Participants will learn how to put time and distance between the person at risk and lethal means, to prevent tragedy.
We bring together federal, state, and local community suicide prevention resources. The discussion will inform attendees on what programs and services are available to the military community and how to access them.
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Important to know....
This training is not for the general public. It is designed for faith leaders and those in non-clergy (lay) roles. A few examples of trusted congregation roles may include Bible study or faith formation leaders, Torah study leaders, youth group volunteers, congregation office staff, care team members, visitation volunteers, hospitality teams, small group leaders, outreach volunteers, and deacons or similar service leaders, depending on the faith tradition.
Although the topics and resources are specific to the military community, attendees can apply what they learn at this event to all members of their congregation and community
This training does not prepare attendees to provide clinical support. It will help them recognize warning signs of suicide, demonstrate ways to respond with care, reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, and how to link military-connected people with appropriate resources.
Together, faith communities can help prevent suicide and provide hope to Missouri’s
military-connected community.
