Get ready – LivingWorks is heading to Columbus, Ohio for the 58th annual American Association of Suicidology conference from March 30 – April 4, 2025! This year, we’re bringing big conversations, powerful training and an exclusive first look at an innovative new platform – designed to keep helpers supported and engaged long after training.
Join us for a pre-conference LivingWorks safeTALK workshop, hear from our experts during impactful presentations and visit our booth to be part of the future of suicide prevention. We can’t wait to connect with you!
Team LivingWorks at AAS 2024
Learn Suicide Alertness Skills
LivingWorks Suicide Prevention Managers, Grant Merrell and Alan Mednick are thrilled to lead a pre-conference LivingWorks safeTALK workshop on Sunday, March 30. This interactive in-person training equips learners with suicide alertness skills to recognize signs, start conversations and connect individuals to help – empowering you to make a real difference in your community.
“To host LivingWorks safeTALK with our peers in the field attending, it’s an exciting opportunity to really showcase the effectiveness of the training,” says Mednick.
“I think LivingWorks safeTALK is a great asset to communities. Everyone has a role to play, and it’s always great to see more people get suicide-alertness training to help keep their communities safer from suicide,” says Merrell.
Grant Merrell and Alan Mednick at AAS 2025 with newly trained suicide alert helpers.
AAS 2025 Presentations
Both Mednick and Merrell will join leading voices in suicide prevention for two powerful presentations at AAS.
April 2 – Cultivating a Spirit of Collaboration for a Suicide-Safer State
Merrell joins a panel of suicide prevention experts from across Indiana to discuss how the state is breaking down silos and fostering collaboration among organizations – many of which were once seen as competitors.
“I’ve enjoyed helping others create a collaborative spirit throughout our state. We’re really coming together to create a suicide-safer state,” says Merrell. “Our hope is that it helps others think about how they can work with those around us. Our world needs more collaboration and community, and this is a great opportunity for us to help people plug into the fantastic work that’s being done.”
Don’t miss this insightful discussion on breaking down barriers and building a stronger network of care.
April 3 – Inside Wounded Warrior Project’s Proactive Strategy for Building Suicide-Safer Communities
Mednick joins members of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to explore WWP’s community-driven approach to suicide prevention and how LivingWorks training programs play a key role in their mission.
“I’m incredibly excited to share information about LivingWorks and the Network of Safety concept, and how important LivingWorks suicide prevention training is when helping someone with thoughts of suicide,” says Mednick. “I think this is a great opportunity to join forces and highlight the incredible work WWP is doing and how LivingWorks training is a part of that.”
Ray Andalio's journey reflects the painful reality many veterans face with suicidal thoughts. WWP's Warrior Survey reveals that over 1 in 4 WWP warriors have struggled with suicidal ideations in the past year. Learn how WWP is supporting veterans like Ray and helping them regain… pic.twitter.com/wFtknSAvfK
Join this important discussion and learn how collaboration, training and action can drive real change in suicide prevention.
The future of suicide prevention – LivingWorks Connect
LivingWorks Connect is a digital platform designed to support and empower anyone who wants to help make their community safer from suicide. It provides practical tools, resources and connections to help Coaches, Trainers and Learners apply their suicide prevention training, take action with confidence and support others when they need it most.
LivingWorks’ EVP, Innovation, Dr. Pete Gutierrez believes LivingWorks Connect has the capability to change the suicide prevention space in ways that were unimaginable 10 years ago.
“Our founders were brilliant and believed there was a huge unmet need for the kind of training LivingWorks developed, and by developing good quality training and making it available to people – it would spread organically. That spread is still happening and LivingWorks Connect has the chance to direct that growth even further,” says Gutierrez.
Gutierrez says the more time he spends examining the potential benefits of LivingWorks Connect, the more potential he envisions.
“It has the potential to be revolutionary. It takes the Network of Safety concept and gives us the tools to move that from concept to reality,” says Gutierrez.
Celebrating our LivingWorks Trainers
At LivingWorks, our Trainers are the heartbeat of everything we do – the dedicated professionals who bring suicide prevention training to life in communities around the world. That’s why we’re taking the time in Columbus to celebrate, connect and appreciate our Global Trainer Network. Sharon Sutton, LivingWorks EVP, Training and Delivery, is especially excited to meet with Trainers at the conference.
“Our Trainers are the backbone of what we do. They’re the face of LivingWorks. It’s important for us to be able to recognize all the hard work they’ve done over the last 40 years,” says Sutton.
Looking ahead in 2025, Sutton sees even more ways to support and strengthen the Trainer Network, including enhancements to the Trainer Portal, improved communication and transparency and the launch of the LivingWorks Connect mobile app – a game-changer for Trainers and their communities.
“The future is about connection. I see even more improvements coming to the Trainer Portal and more ways for us to communicate and connect with the global Trainer network. The LivingWorks Connect App will also provide an opportunity for connection and the creation of Networks of Safety across the globe. There are many exciting things ahead in 2025,” says Sutton.
Are you a LivingWorks Trainer or interested in joining our global community of LivingWorks Trainers? Stop by our booth at AAS and connect with us!
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