NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A workshop to help with suicide intervention is coming up next week in Hutchinson. The ASIST training is June 27 and 28 at the Trade Center Community Room at 1600 North Lorraine.
"We could probably still take a couple of people," said Beth Akins with Horizons Mental Health Center. "It's free, because we get United Way funding. It's free for people who live or work in Reno County."
ASIST-trained caregivers help those with thoughts of suicide feel less suicidal and more hopeful.
"It's designed for the layperson, to give them the tools to help somebody who is having thoughts of suicide, until they can get them connected with an appropriate professional," Akins said.
ASIST is appropriate for anyone age 16 or older. Many professional caregivers use the PAL model, but it is open to members of the general public.
"We'll spend some time talking about attitudes and beliefs about suicide," Akins said. "We'll talk about how can you tell if somebody is having thoughts. How do you ask somebody who is having thoughts of suicide about their suicidal thoughts. If they say, I'm having vague thoughts, but nothing really concrete. I'm just sort of feeling hopeless and frustrated, we'll talk about how to help that person. Versus the person that says, yes I'm having thoughts of suicide and today at 4:00 I'm taking a handful of pills and I've already collected those pills and I'm ready to go."
If you'd like to join, call Akins as soon as possible at 620-663-7595, ext. 6336 or email [email protected].