Symposium Live Virtual Event Schedule

August 4th, 2021 — 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

8:45 AM to 8:55 AM – Tech Check

9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Introduction

Suicide Prevention in Vermont: Retrospective and Look Forward

Presented by: JoEllen Tarallo, Ed.D., MCHES, and Alison Krompf, MA

Running Through The Fields Of Life To Reach One Another

Presented By: Jodi Girouard, B.A. in Education and English, PWLE

A five minute video on reaching out to help one another, giving hope, and reading the poem, Running through Fields.

9:30 AM to 10:15 AM – Keynote Address

Moving Forward Together: Connectivity is The Key

Presented by: Victor Armstrong, MSW

Lessons learned from the COVID-19: The role of clinicians, policy makers, providers, advocates, and lived mental  experience in moving us forward. Connection and intersectionality are the keys

10:15 AM to 10:30 AM – Break and Transition to Workshops

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM – Morning Workshops

+15 minutes for Continued Discussion

Introducing “Alternatives to Suicide”:
Building Community in Times of Darkness

Presented by: Caroline Mazel-Carlton, C.P.S.

“Alt2Su” represents widely-applicable paradigm shifts rooted in peer support and harm reduction values. Together we can re-frame risk and pathologizing frameworks and create a more supportive community.

Intentional Self-poisoning in Young People:
Prevention, Identification, Treatment and Referral in Primary Care and Other Settings

Presented by:  Tom Delaney, PhD, Logan Hegg, PsyD, and Rachael Comeau, Ed.D

Rates of intentional self-poisoning, a common form of self-harm in young people, have increased substantially in recent years in Vermont and nationally. In Vermont, between late 2020 and early 2021 the incidence of intentional self-poisoning has increased even more rapidly, possibly due to impacts of COVID-19.

Youth Powered Suicide Prevention

Presented by: Stan Collins, NREMT

How we message about suicide and suicide prevention impacts lives, especially when it comes to youth. This workshop explores the power of the youth voice in creating messages for suicide prevention.

The Importance of Cultural Brokering Work to Address Behavioral Health Disparities

Presented by: Mercedes Avila, PhD

This presentation will describe the work of a Cultural Brokering program developed and implemented in Vermont to address behavioral health disparities in former refugee and immigrant communities.

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – Lunch

1:00 PM to 1:45 PM – Keynote Address

Protective Factors in Suicide Prevention:
Why It’s Important to Understand the Good Stuff

Presented by: David Rettew, MD

This presentation will take a positive psychiatry perspective on suicide prevention and describe how qualities such as connectedness, optimism, and self-efficacy can help reduce suicidality.

1:45 PM to 2:00 PM – Break and Transition to Workshops

2:00 PM to 3:15 PM – Afternoon Workshops

Suicide Risk Screening and Management
of Patients Who Screen Positive:
From Research to Practice

Presented by: Lisa Horowitz, PhD, MPH and Simone Arnold, MC, QMHP, LCMHS

Healthcare providers can be partners in suicide prevention. This workshop will focus on screening and feasibly managing patients at risk for suicide without overtaxing medical settings.

Intentional Organization Wellness

Presented by: Cheryl Sharp, MSW, ALWS, Susan Swindell, Licensed Psychologist–Master, and Matthew MacNeil, M.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., LCMHC

Organization wellness does not happen in a vacuum. It takes effort, intention and planning. Find out how two Vermont organizations have made it part of their organization culture.

Substance Use Disorders and Suicide in Rural Communities

Presented by: Sanchit Maruti, MD, MS

This workshop provides an improved understanding and practical approaches for evaluating and managing individuals with suicidal ideation in Rural communities.

Suicide Prevention Pathways:
Schools, Mental Health and Social Supports

Presented by: JoEllen Tarallo, Ed.D., MCHES, Mark Gebo, M.Ed., Annalisa MacDonald, LCMHC, and Tracy Binet-Perrin, M. Ed.

Discover the elements of a prevention prepared school community, and the steps taken at elementary and secondary schools in VT to promote mental health and respond to suicidality.

3:15 PM to 4:00 PM – Keynote Address

Save the Indian, Save the Man:
A Social Justice Perspective on Suicide Prevention

Presented by: Shelby Rowe, MBA

This presentation will intertwine music, art and humor to address the serious issues that have increased risk of suicide among American Indians & how embracing culture is key to reducing that risk.