Talk Saves Lives: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

Description

September is Suicide Prevention Month, creating an important opportunity for HR leaders to consider how workplaces can support suicide prevention and help employees in distress. Drawing from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s flagship Talk Saves Lives program, this webinar will introduce key risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs while exploring practical ways to respond when someone may need support. Participants will also consider how HR, managers, and employee resource groups can help foster supportive workplace cultures and connect employees with appropriate resources. The program will highlight highlight resources designed for the general workforce as well as programming tailored to populations and industries disproportionately impacted by suicide. 

By the end of the program, participants will be able to: 

• Recognize common suicide risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs that may surface in the workplace.
• Identify some appropriate ways to begin a conversation and connect an employee with support and crisis resources. 
• Explore how HR and managers can contribute to a workplace culture that supports mental health and suicide prevention. 
• Determine which AFSP programs and resources best fit the needs of their employees, workplace, or community.
• Recognize populations and industries at increased risk for suicide and understand AFSP resources tailored to their unique needs.
• Connect specialized suicide prevention resources with employee resource groups and the communities they serve.

About the Presenter

Christine Curtin serves as Executive Director of the Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), where she leads statewide efforts in suicide prevention education, community engagement, advocacy, fundraising, and support for those impacted by suicide. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, Christine has built her career around growing mission-driven organizations, developing strong corporate and community partnerships, and generating the resources needed to expand their impact. Prior to joining AFSP, Christine held leadership roles with the National Brain Tumor Society and the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia. In her current role, she works closely with businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, community leaders, donors, and volunteers to increase awareness of AFSP’s mission, grow philanthropic support, and make suicide prevention and mental health resources more accessible throughout Georgia.