About the Course

The suicide rate in the Appalachian Region is 17 percent higher than the national average, with all five Appalachian subregions reporting alarmingly higher rates of suicide. Central Appalachia, in particular, faces some of the most severe challenges due to compounded factors such as poverty, geographic isolation, and limited access to mental health resources. These realities highlight an urgent need for effective interventions tailored to the unique cultural, social, and economic dynamics of the region.

This engaging and solution-focused workshop is designed to equip social workers, counselors, and intervention specialists with the tools to combat this crisis. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the causes and risk factors driving suicide in both youth and adults, including the critical role of economic stressors, trauma, and substance abuse. Attendees will also learn how to identify suicide ideation, apply practical prevention strategies, and promote resilience within families and communities.

Through interactive activities, real-world case studies, and evidence-based approaches, this workshop empowers participants to create both short-term interventions (e.g., crisis management) and long-term solutions (e.g., building mental health infrastructure and reducing stigma). By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable strategies and a renewed commitment to reducing suicide rates in Appalachia. Together, we can break the silence and build a pathway to hope and healing.