In this webinar, participants will gain a clear, up-to-date understanding of youth suicide risk, what prevention efforts are supported by evidence, and common practices that may unintentionally miss the mark. The session highlights the importance of connection, caregiver involvement, and environmental safety over purely skills-based or risk-management approaches. Practical guidance will be provided for recognizing warning signs, responding to suicidal distress, and supporting youth through high-risk moments. This training is designed to be immediately applicable across school, community, and clinical settings.
What You Will Learn
Participants will be able to describe current evidence-based understandings of youth suicide risk, including key developmental, social, and contextual factors that influence suicidal distress.
Participants will be able to distinguish between prevention, screening, assessment, and intervention strategies, and identify common misconceptions that can undermine effective youth suicide prevention.
Participants will be able to apply practical principles of connection-centered intervention, including collaborative safety planning and means safety counseling, within their professional role.
Webinar Details
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Who: Current and aspiring preK-12 educators and school staff
Cost: Free
Presenter: Drew Martel, LISW, CADC, Licensed Social Worker and Chief Clinical Officer at CommUnity Crisis Services
RSVP: Register for "Youth Suicide Prevention & Intervention 2026" webinar.
By registering for this event, you agree to be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email scsmh-main@uiowa.edu, and we will work with you to make any accommodations.