Moving Forward

Suicide prevention conference wraps up

The Moving Forward: Suicide Prevention Conference 2018 wraps up three days of workshops and training sessions today.

The conference, presented by CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs and Suicide Prevention Allies, will close out with sessions at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa starting at 8:30 a.m., according to Susie Reece, violence prevention specialist for CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs. Some sessions and information are provided free to the public.

Training sessions have been tailored to various groups in the community because suicide does not discriminate, according to Reece. Sessions included applied suicide intervention training, civilian response to active shooter events, first responders training for handling veterans and PTSD, as well as bullying prevention.

Reece said today’s sessions will provide resources in the community, connections to health professionals, and personal stories from survivors.

“We don’t want to talk about this from a professional level, but from a human level,” she said.

Reece said the conference served to ensure people understand how common suicide is in the community and provide the tools needed to help those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Feedback she has received has been positive.

“We hope to offer education, resources and compassion to those going through this so they know they are not alone,” she said.

Conference events on Tuesday tragically coincided with a report of a suspected death by suicide on undeveloped property owned by National Park College at the east end of the campus. According to the Garland County Sheriff’s Department, a check of a suspicious vehicle led to the discovery of a deceased male about 60 yards into a wooded area on college property.

The department said in a news release that no foul play is suspected, and the body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for positive identification and cause of death.

The college said in a statement the individual was discovered at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. An NPC official said “the incident occurred in a remote location of campus that is not open for public use,” and was not a current student, faculty or staff member.

The college reminded members of the campus community that counselors are available and sessions are free and confidential.