Description: Suicide is a significant public health issue in New York State and across the country. U.S. deaths from drug overdoses leapt nearly 30% to more than 93,000 in 2020, the highest ever recorded. But how do we respond to the emotional and psychological toll the suicide or overdose of a client has on professional caregivers? What are the best ways to support both staff and clients?

This interactive 2-session (4hrs each) training will provide an overview of the main issues that can arise when clinical providers and staff experience the death of a client by suicide or opioid overdose. The content provides guidance on how to address grief, debriefing staff and clients, supporting those affected by the death, risk identification, and the use of risk assessments for suicidal ideation. Content will also include the behavioral, physical, and psychological responses to grief, self-care and coping strategies, overdose postvention, and ‘Response Roadmap,’ plans for agencies including ‘Zero Suicide Initiative,’ and modifications for developing an agency overdose prevention plan.

Credits: Participants must attend both parts in their entirety, turn on their video cameras, and to actively participate in order to receive a certificate of completion. This training meets approval for 8 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 8 initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS).

Registration: You need to register for each day separately

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR DAY ONE, OCTOBER 5

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR DAY TWO, OCTOBER 7