Polk County Suicide Prevention Coalition

02/23/2026

Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance has a webinar coming up on February 24 titled, "Understanding Trauma"
Trauma is defined by the emotional and psychological effect an event has on people, and less by the event itself. Explore the science of trauma and discuss how trauma impacts physical & mental health with a licensed therapist.
Register here

Trauma is defined by the emotional and psychological effect an event has on people, and less by the event itself. Explore the science of trauma and discuss how trauma impacts physical & mental health with a licensed therapist. Meet the Instructor: Alex Rohn, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counsel...

02/17/2026

The Iowa Advocacy Action Day, hosted by the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention Iowa and Mindspring, will bring together passionate volunteers to advocate for state policy changes that work to prevent su***de and support mental health.

Advocates in attendance will learn the basics of effective advocacy, be briefed on AFSP’s priority policy issues for our state, and be guided in how to deliver a quick, meaningful advocacy “ask” to inspire action. Advocates are encouraged to meet with state public officials as part of the event, in small groups, to:

Share why su***de prevention is important to YOU and to your community
Educate them about the work being done in your community to prevent su***de
Offer AFSP as a leading resource on su***de prevention
Ask them to TAKE ACTION to support AFSP’s policy priorities and prevent su***de
During and after the event, advocates will be asked to report back to AFSP about how those meetings went and to send thank you notes to those officials and staff.

We hope you’ll join us for this powerful and inspiring event! Let’s work together to save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de:

02/16/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance have a brand new webinar coming up on February 16 titled, "ADHD in Youth: Practical Strengths-Based Supports"
Discover what science tells us about the best ways parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals can support children with ADHD. Using regular routines, environmental supports, visual tools, addressing sensory needs, making classroom adjustments, and working closely with teachers are proven strategies that honor each child’s unique way of thinking, rather than trying to make them fit a standard mold. Part 2 in a 2-part series.
Register here

Discover what science tells us about the best ways parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals can support children with ADHD. Using regular routines, environmental supports, visual tools, addressing sensory needs, making classroom adjustments, and working closely with teachers are proven...

02/13/2026

Our friends at Diamond Heart Therapy are partnering with Foster's Voice for the 2nd Annual Diamonds and Donations Gala - raising funds for free mental health care in Central Iowa! To purchase tickets visit: https://www.diamondhearttherapy.com/

02/12/2026

Our friends and Community Youth Concepts are hiring! If you know someone who is passionate about building support for and expanding high-quality youth programming in Central Iowa - more information can be found about the position at: https://www.cyconcepts.org/careers

02/09/2026

Did you know that Central College has an Out of the Darkness Walk? You won't want to miss this opportunity to support su***de prevention and see the beautiful tulips before Tulip Time!
https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/central?_gl=1*xwt1ln*_gcl_au*MTQ1MjUzMjYwMS4xNzY4NTg1NDcy*_ga*MjA1ODkyOTc0Ni4xNzUwMDk3NDIy*_ga_44VZZG2H84*czE3Njg5NTQ1MTQkbzUxJGcxJHQxNzY4OTU0OTg4JGo2MCRsMCRoMTE4OTYwNzc3Ng..

I'm supporting American Foundation for Su***de Prevention to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de. Please support me with a donation or join me!

02/09/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance have a webinar coming up on February 10 | Understanding Seasonal Depression
Do the winter months get you down more than you think they should? Discuss the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression, when it’s time to see a doctor, and what treatment options are available. Learn practical ways to manage symptoms & support others in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Register here

Do the winter months get you down more than you think they should? Discuss the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression, when it’s time to see a doctor, and what treatment options are available. Learn practical ways to manage symptoms & support others in this one-hour seminar with a licensed ther...

02/08/2026

Our friends at EveryStep have another round of Mind & Motherhood Maternal Mental Health Support Group coming up on Tuesdays (February 24 - March 31)
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Calvary Chapel (606 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, 50309). To register visit:

02/07/2026

The University of Iowa is hosting a training on Supporting Anxious Students. This free virtual event will be held February 9 from 4 – 6 p.m. Register today at:

If you have any questions or concerns, please email SCSMH-main@uiowa.edu, and we will work with you to make any accommodations.

02/05/2026

When you notice a friend, colleague or loved one struggling, it can be hard to know the best way to support them. Knowing how to recognize the signs that someone is experiencing a mental health challenge is the first step to helping. View Mental Health First Aid's latest blog post to learn how to be supportive:

Knowing how to recognize the signs that someone is experiencing a mental health challenge is the first step to helping.

02/03/2026

United Way of Central Iowa's Day on the Hill is tomorrow! (Wednesday, February 4)
During the Day on the Hill, advocates will be supporting United Ways from across Iowa on issues impacting all 5 Elements of a Thriving Community. It will be an opportunity to advocate for our community alongside United Way at the capitol and lend your voice to create change in areas you're most passionate about. For more information and to register visit:

Join advocates at the 2026 United Ways of Iowa Day on the Hill to support community issues and drive change. RSVP for breakfast and engage in meaningful discussions.