|
|
8.5 hours
Linde Center for Music and Learning
Starting at USD 20
Tue, 07 Oct, 2025 at 08:00 am to 04:30 pm (GMT-04:00)
Linde Center for Music and Learning
3 West Hawthorne Road, Lenox, United States
In 2023, there were over 49,000 suicide deaths in the United States, which equates to approximately one suicide every 11 minutes. Firearms accounted for 55% of these deaths, making them the most common method of suicide. Nonfatal suicidal behaviors were also substantial: an estimated 12.8 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.7 million developed a suicide plan, and 1.5 million attempted suicide. The impact of suicide extends beyond individuals, affecting entire communities; each death is estimated to directly impact more than 100 friends, family members, and caregivers. In 2022, Massachusetts had a suicide rate of 8.9 per 100,000 people. That same year, Berkshire County reported a rate of 21.7 per 100,000—the highest in the state.
This significantly higher suicide rate is a disparity driven by social, economic, and geographic factors. One of the most notable contributors is rural isolation. With a sparse population and limited public transportation, many Berkshire County residents experience social disconnection and face barriers to accessing timely mental health care. The county also faces persistent economic hardship, with child poverty rates exceeding the state average. These economic stressors are compounded by high rates of substance misuse and overdose deaths, which are strongly linked to suicide risk. Limited access to mental health providers and resources further hinder residents from getting the support they need, and many individuals also face food insecurity and unstable housing.
To continue to address this risk in our community, this conference will convene local Berkshire County professionals, community members, and organizational leaders to explore actionable suicide prevention strategies tailored to Berkshire County’s unique needs. The conference bridges awareness with practical application by spotlighting local resources, sharing evidence- based tools, and facilitating discussions focused on historically underserved and high-risk
populations. The conference emphasizes that suicide prevention is both a public health imperative and a shared community responsibility. Participants will examine suicide as a multifaceted issue influenced by individual experiences, social determinants of health, systemic inequities, and access to culturally competent care.
Prevention efforts will be extended beyond clinical intervention to include fostering social belonging, reducing stigma, and strengthening community safety nets. Attendees will deepen their understanding of suicide risk and protective factors. Discussions will explore how trauma, social isolation, housing insecurity, substance use, discrimination, and barriers to care elevate risk, while protective factors such as community belonging, peer support, identity-affirming environments, and culturally grounded resources promote resilience and healing. A strong focus on equity and access ensures that the experiences of marginalized and underserved groups are centered, encouraging critical dialogue about systemic barriers and inclusive solutions.
Recognizing that suicide prevention requires cross-sector collaboration, the conference spotlights partnerships among diverse local organizations—including those in the arts, family support services, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, immigrant empowerment, and law enforcement—to create a coordinated and compassionate community response. Participants will gain practical, evidence-informed skills to identify suicide risk, engage in sensitive communication, develop safety plans, and navigate complex mental health systems. Topics such as firearm safety, crisis intervention, and culturally respectful outreach equip attendees to apply prevention strategies effectively within their communities.
Finally, the conference will enhance participants’ knowledge of Berkshire County’s mental health resources, care pathways, and innovative therapeutic approaches. This resource awareness empowers attendees to support individuals and families facing mental health challenges, promoting accessible and culturally responsive care in Berkshire County. Ultimately, professional and community networks will be strengthened, and participants will be equipped to take informed, meaningful steps toward reducing suicide risk in our vulnerable community.
CE applications will be submitted for Social Work, LMHC, LADC, Nursing and Psychologists. Please contact Anna Paladino, Training Coordinator at the Brien Center with any questions (YW5uYSAhIHBhbGFkaW5vIHwgYnJpZW5jZW50ZXIgISBvcmc=).
To be awarded CE credits, attending the entire conference is required as is signing-in and signing-out.
Info: Panelists – Representatives from the following nonprofit organizations:
- Volunteers in Medicine (ViM) Berkshires
- Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention (BCSP)
- Berkshire Pride
- 18 Degrees
- Community Access to the Arts (CATA)
- Love of T
- NAMI Berkshire County
Info: Guided Yoga, Stretching and Breathing Activities Available
Info: Talking About Suicide, Safety Planning & Risk Assessment
Info: Guided Yoga, Stretching and Breathing Activities Available
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Lenox, Arts events in Lenox, Workshops in Lenox.
Tickets for Turning Awareness into Action can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird CEUs (Soc Work, LMHC, LADAC, Nsg,Psyc) | 70 USD |
| Early Bird NO CEUs | 20 USD |
| General Admission: CEUs | 85 USD |
| General Admission: NO CEUs | 35 USD |
