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CALM Conversations
December 5, 2023 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm CST
We are very excited to be able to begin offering recurring Conversations on Access to Lethal Means (CALM Conversations) workshops. In short, CALM provides individuals with the tools to have the very important conversation about safety around and access to lethal means to an individual in their lives. In our military and veteran family community, reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. To learn more about the CALM workshop with VSN staff member, Ashley Craig, please read on.
CALM: Conversations on Access to Lethal Means is a suicide prevention training that encourages the safe storage of lethal means during a suicidal crisis. By temporarily putting time and distance between a suicidal person and highly lethal means, a life may be saved.
The effectiveness of CALM is not limited to clinical interactions. Many people at risk for suicide do not ever seek or receive formal mental or physical health care for these issues. Fortunately, CALM can be implemented by anyone who is concerned about a relative, friend, or someone with whom they work. These workshops add specific CALM strategies to typical gatekeeper training and also offer participants the opportunity to observe and practice the techniques. If your work (or life) frequently puts you in touch with people who are at their lowest–perhaps you’re a defense or divorce attorney, tend bar, serve eviction notices, teach court-ordered drunk driving classes–this workshop may help you save lives.
But this workshop is not just for mental health professionals, or individuals working with those who could be at risk. This workshop is for anyone who may be wondering how to have a conversation with a friend, loved one, or coworker about safety and access to lethal means.
What Conversations on Access to Lethal Means is and is not:
- CALM is anti-suicide not anti-gun or anti-drugs
- CALM is a specific and effective part of suicide prevention
- CALM is not a suicide risk assessment
- CALM is not the answer but should be included –anyone can do it – not just professionals
Participants in CALM training will:
- Become more knowledgeable about suicide facts
- Learn how to inquire about the accessibility of lethal means
- Learn how to suggest safe storage
- Leand about results of lethal means reduction in countries outside the U.S.
- Practice their new skills through role plays and group discussion.
Offered Monthly:
Dec 5, 2023, at 7-8:30 pm CT
Jan 11, 2024, at 12-1:30 pm CT
Feb 8, 2023, at 6-7:30 pm CT
The CALM Conversation trainings are open to the wider military-affiliated community and are offered periodically, free of charge through the Veteran Spouse Network.
Encouraged participants include the spouse or partner of an active duty service member or post-service veteran, a caregiver or divorced spouse from a veteran or active duty service member, or an active duty service member or veteran.
Eligibility varies by session, so please check our Eventbrite page to see other social clubs that may interest you.
