ASIST: applied suicide intervention skills training

With the death of my son, I began a search for a way to make a difference. My first opportunity came when the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention selected an intervention tool called ASIST. With that selection we were handed a valuable tool created and used internationally by LivingWorks Education. When teaching an ASIST class I often refer to ASIST as a tool that helps us “buy time.”

When someone is on the verge of taking their lives, a person possessing the tools can make all the difference. They know what to ask and how to ask it. They know how to contract for safety and where to find the necessary resources to help the at-risk individual live. Had I known then what I know now, it is possible that my son Case would still be alive. Because of this belief, we offer ASIST training to anyone who is interested. We have trained counselors, teachers, administrators, those working in various nonprofits dealing with child care and Aids, those working in juvenile correction facilities as well as moms who are worried about their children and a grandmother who was frightened for her grandson. I have used the ASIST tools to intervene in suicide and have been very happy with the positive results that I’ve achieved.

After teaching a class in Ignacio, Colorado I received a call from the Youth Services Coordinator at Peaceful Spirit Southern Ute Treatment Center. She excitedly told me that the evening that she completed her two-day ASIST training, she received a call from a suicidal teen. She told me, “I used ASIST and it worked!” The excitement in her voice made me smile. We’d made a difference.

You too can make a critical difference in the life of another human being. Nancy Page and Ken Puhler are training partners and have achieved Master Trainer status from LivingWorks. We are anxious to hand you the tools that can save a life. We are currently setting up trainings for 2006. For further information, contact us at projectcase@aol.com or www.livingworks.net.