STATE COLLEGE — In an effort to be at the forefront of battling suicide, Centre Helps is now offering the evidence-based Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program, according to a press release. ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid.
ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Participants will receive a formal certification that acknowledges their successful completion of the course and understanding of the core principles.
ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers; however, participants do not need any formal training to attend a workshop. Anyone 16 or older can learn and use the ASIST model. Since its development in 1983, ASIST has received regular updates to reflect improvements in knowledge and practice, and more than two million people have participated in the workshop.
Studies show that the ASIST method helps reduce suicidal feelings in those at risk and is a cost-effective way to help address the problem of suicide. To learn more about ASIST visit www.livingworks.net/asist.
Community members interested in ASIST training can visit the Centre Helps website at www.centrehelps.org.
Formerly the Community Help Centre, Centre Helps offers a 24-hour hotline that has been assisting area residents for 47 years. Counselors help individuals through a range of crises, including suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and difficulty meeting basic needs.
It serves as a hub of information on more than 400 local programs and its counselors are able to make informed referrals to individuals for organizations that can best help their long-term health. In addition to the hotline, Centre Helps programs include basic needs case management, Youthful Offenders Program and Parents of Addicted Children Coming Together.
The Centre Helps hotline can be reached any time at (800) 494-2500 or
(814) 237-5855. For more information visit www.centrehelps.org.
