2007 Annual Conference

SPAN IDAHO
SEVENTH ANNUAL SUICIDE PREVETNION CONFERENCE
May, June and September 2007

In 2007, SPAN Idaho took a different approach to it annual conferences. Three SPAN Idaho Suicide Prevention Conferences were held at different locations around the state thanks to the leadership and tireless efforts of the SPAN Regional Chapters.

SPAN Idaho South Central Chapter

The South Central Chapter of SPAN Idaho conducted a very well attended and fruitful suicide prevention conference on May 31st and June 1st, 2007 in Twin Falls. Keynote addresses on May 31st were given by former First Lady of Idaho, Patricia Kempthorne; Dr. Kirby Orme, President SPAN Idaho and his wife, Susan; Dr. Peter Wollheim, Boise State University, Co-Chair, Idaho Council on Suicide Prevention and Former Director, Idaho Suicide Prevention Services (Suicide Hotline); and Debbie Field, Director, Idaho Office of Drug Policy.

On June 1st, attendees heard keynote addresses from Dr. Thana Sigarajah, Founder and Director, Family Care Center and Clinical Assistant Professor, Idaho State University; Dr. Ryan Hulbert, Clinical Services Administrator, Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections; and Kathleen Allyn, Director, Division of Behavioral Health, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Other sessions included those relating to youth services, suicide among older persons, suicides and the workplace, first responders, clergy, ethics, stigma and survivor support.

Along with the valuable information provided in the formal sessions, numerous vendor exhibits and drawing prizes were a huge hit at the conference.

SPAN Idaho North Central Chapter

SPAN Idaho North Central Chapter held its suicide prevention conference September 14, 2007 at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. The conference was hugely successful. The Williams Conference Center at the College was teaming with an unexpected number attendees. Extra tables and chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the overflowing crowd.

Special educational tracks for participants included those for professionals, survivors and youth. Sessions included topics such as skill-building, ethics, stigma, survivor support, warning signs and other forms of prevention.

Speakers at the conference included Sue Eastgard, MSW, Director, Youth Suicide Prevention Program for the State of Washington; Diana Pals, M.Ed., President, Idaho Mental Health Counselors Association, Peter Wollheim, PhD, Boise State University, Co-Chair, Idaho Council on Suicide Prevention and Former Director, Idaho Suicide Prevention Services (Suicide Hotline); and Ann Kirkwood, Senior Research Associate, Idaho State University, Institute of Rural Health, Youth Suicide Prevention Project, among others.

Eastern Idaho SPAN Chapter

The Eastern Idaho SPAN Chapter held an extremely successful suicide prevention conference, “It Takes a Community To Save A Life,” on September 27th and 28th, 2007 in Idaho Falls.

Approximately 180 attendees participated in concurrent sessions, a plenary session, and two panel discussions, one comprised of suicide survivors and one including those who provide relevant services and recourses. The conference offered sessions in four concurrent tracks: Community, Mental Health Professionals, Youth (those who work with youth), and First Responders.

There was a moving and informative article in the local newspaper, about suicide loss and making a difference by becoming involved with prevention advocacy, leading up to the conference.

It is the hope of this region chapter that the information from the conference is shared over and over in homes and businesses, bringing knowledge and prevention to the lives of those who are considering suicide or comfort and recovery to family members who have survived a loss in their families.