We all have an important role to play in preventing suicide and supporting our shipmates and colleagues in need. That is why the Coast Guard is offering new suicide prevention workshops to build a new cadre of trainers. Civilians and military members are eligible and encouraged to apply. Applications for these trainings are due by Friday, Aug. 12.
The service is partnering with the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) and Uniformed Services University to offer this Training for Trainers (T4T) project. T4T includes two programs: safeTALK, a two-day course, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a five-day workshop.
Both programs teach participants to recognize suicidal thoughts in others and connect those in need with necessary resources. After completing these trainings, each participant will be assigned to a training team and will facilitate three courses.
These important trainings will be held at multiple locations and times:
- Base Portsmouth, Virginia, Sept. 8-9 (safeTALK)
- Base Portsmouth, Virginia, Sept. 12-16 (ASIST)
- Base Alameda, California, Sept. 12-16 (ASIST)
- Base Alameda, California, Sept. 19-20 (safeTALK)
How to apply:
All participants must submit an application and a nomination letter signed by their command and first line supervisors.
These trainings will be free of charge for participants. Commands will be responsible for funding any travel for attendees per the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Commands are strongly encouraged to nominate more than one participant from their unit to attend one or both trainings.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 12. Please submit command endorsements to SuicidePrevention@uscg.mil. To view the nomination template and training application, please click here.
Resources:
- For more information on Suicide Prevention T4T, please click here or see the Suicide Prevention for Trainers ALCOAST 269/22.
- If you have any questions, please contact Cmdr.LaMar Henderson, suicide prevention program manager, or Cmdr. Sarah Garrett, deputy chief of the Work Life Division, Health, Safety and Work-Life Service Center (HSWL SC).
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