Event

Research shows that certain types of messaging about suicide deaths can increase risk among vulnerable individuals. Conversely, positive and safe messages have the potential to help individuals in crisis find the help they need, and educate the public about how they can be involved in preventing suicide. Recognizing this potential, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) and its partners are leading efforts designed to “change the public conversation about suicide and suicide prevention.”
 
While resources already existed to help journalists cover suicide in news reports, little guidance was available to guide other suicide prevention messengers. The Action Alliance's Framework for Successful Messaging (Framework) fills that gap. Drawing from research on effective communications and suicide prevention, the Framework is a resource to help those communicating to the public about suicide to create messages that are strategic, safe, positive, and make use of relevant guidelines and best practices.
 
The Action Alliance held a webinar: Developing Successful and Positive Suicide Prevention Messaging – Planning Ahead for Suicide Prevention Month.
 
The webinar provides:

1. An overview of the four elements of the Framework and how this resource helps to change the public conversation about suicide.  
2. Tips and guidance for using the Framework to create messages that are strategic, safe, and aligned with prevention goals.
3. An understanding about the importance of well-designed messaging during Suicide Prevention Month – and throughout the year. 

Webinar presenters:
Dr. April Foreman
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
Department of Veterans Affairs
Changing the Conversation Priority Initiative Member
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
 
Dr. Linda Langford
Evaluation and Communication Scientist
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
 
Mark Weber
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs/Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Executive Committee Member and Changing the Conversation Priority Initiative Co-Lead
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
 
View the recording of the webinar: