Clackamas County to host Veteran Suicide Prevention Training

As part of its ongoing efforts to support veterans, Clackamas County will host a free veteran suicide prevention training from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 in Oregon City. This training will offer important updates and resources for anyone in contact with veterans, as well as clinicians who work with veterans.

Register for the event by Nov. 10 by clicking here.

“I encourage everyone to attend this event because, with or without formal mental health training, everyone can make a positive impact to prevent suicide,” said Erika Silver, Human Services Manager for the Clackamas County Social Services Division and an event organizer. “Tools presented will be specific to veterans but will also be helpful for non-veterans.”

The presenter at the event is Licensed Clinical Social Worker Aimee Coughlin Johnson, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the VA Portland Health Care System. Johnson’s clinical background includes juvenile justice, emergency department psychiatric social work, medical social work, Suicide Assessment & Follow-Up Engagement Veteran Emergency Treatment (SAFE-VET project), a five-site clinical demonstration project, and owning a private therapy practice in Portland.

Along with the Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division, two nonprofits – the Returning Veterans Project and the Military Helpline – will also provide information and updates on veteran suicide prevention resources at the event.

This event is sponsored by the county’s Behavioral Health and Social Services divisions, the Clackamas County Veterans Advisory Council, and the Returning Veterans Project.

Lunch is provided for those who preregister. Attendees can request a vegetarian or gluten-free lunch by emailing Erika Silver at esilver@clackamas.us.

For more information, members of the media and public may contact Scott Anderson, Community Relations Specialist, at 503-655-8752 or sanderson@clackamas.us.