REMINDER: 3 Free CE's - Suicide Prevention Strategies with Veterans

Continuing Education Series

WHEN: Friday, May 24, 2019

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

*Registration begins at 8:45 a.m

TOPIC:

Suicide Prevention Strategies with Veterans

Suicide is a national public health issue that impacts people from all walks of life. It is estimated that Veteran suicides represent approximately 22% of all suicides in the U.S. The Department of Veterans Affairs has developed focused efforts on reducing Veteran suicide at the government level and also through collaboration with community partners.

This workshop will discuss the scope of suicide in the U.S., as well as common myths and misconceptions around suicide. The workshop will also focus on the assessment of suicide risk, including risk factors unique to Veterans, plus identify strategies for conducting caring conversations around reducing access to lethal means. The suicide prevention safety plan will be discussed as a clinical intervention tool.

PRESENTED BY

Matt Schmidt, LCSW, CADC III

Suicide Prevention Coordinator

Presenter Bio: Matt Schmidt has worked with homeless Veterans as part of the HUD/VASH (Housing and Urban Development/Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program since 2015, and is currently working with the Suicide Prevention Team at the Portland VA Medical Center.

Matt’s clinical background includes work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and violent/sexual offenders in outpatient, transitional housing, law enforcement/behavioral health, emergency department psychiatric social work, and suicide prevention. Matt currently works for the Portland VA Health Care System as a Suicide Prevention Coordinator, as an on-call Mental Health Consultant with their Emergency Department, and with Project Respond in Multnomah County as a Mobile Crisis Clinician.