Suicide is personal, but it is also a public health issue that affects workplaces, schools, communities, and families. By improving a person’s understanding of mental health and suicide prevention, they can be a key partner in the effort to prevent suicides by recognizing and connecting with individuals at risk for and displaying suicide warning signs.

The VitalCog for Athletic Staff program trains athletic staff at all levels of an athletic organization to appreciate the critical need for suicide prevention while creating an opportunity for open conversations and resources in athletics. Our vision is to cultivate a community that aspires to eliminate the devastating impact of suicide among athletes.

Strategy and Approach

  • Build a network of individuals to provide guidance on suicide prevention and intervention
  • Provide evidence-based and relevant training to raise awareness and to increase capacity, confidence, and competence in suicide prevention, mental health support, and resiliency
  • Promote a culture to aspire to a “zero-suicide” mindset through safe and effective communication and engagement

Goals

  • Reduce stigma and raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention
  • Promote open dialogue around mental health wellness
  • Encourage help-seeking and help-giving behaviors

1.5- to 2-hour VitalCog: Suicide Prevention for Athletic Staff Training

In this training, participants will engage with videos, in group discussions, and in practice sessions to raise awareness and create a better understanding of their role in suicide prevention.

Pre-Game: Why Athletics?

Discuss resiliency and protective factors within athletics

Get in the Game: Identify Risk and Signs

Discuss risk factors and warning signs as they pertain to athletes through the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Change the Game: Conversations around Suicide

Discuss the value (and necessity) in having direct conversations about suicide

VitalCog: Suicide Prevention for Athletic Staff is an evidence-based program that is effective at increasing participants’ knowledge about suicide, confidence in identifying risk factors, and comfort talking to others about suicide; these increases may be maintained for three months after the training. Participants also feel able to apply the new skills they learned during the training.

VitalCog for Athletic Staff Peer-Reviewed Paper

Train-the-Trainer Certification Program

In this full day training, participants will learn the skills, tools, and knowledge to facilitate the training within their own organization. This training is designed for those who have an interest, commitment, and capacity to provide the 2-hour suicide prevention training to athletic staff.

The training includes opportunity to learn more about the statistics and facts on suicide along with the impact on individuals, families, communities, and within athletics. Participants will be able to practice facilitation and learn from other trainers on best practices in delivering the program.

To schedule, please contact Alex Yannacone at Alexandra.yannacone@cuanschutz.edu.