Polk County Suicide Prevention Coalition

06/01/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance have a brand new webinar coming up on June 3 | Cannabis Use and Mental Wellness: Assessing Risks and Benefits
Cannabis products and legislation have evolved significantly in recent years, bringing new complexities to public conversations. Join us as we explore how cannabis products and policies have changed & understand how these shifts influence mental health outcomes. Examine how cannabis affects the brain and review current research related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. This course offers a balanced, evidence-informed perspective to help you navigate the facts with clarity and confidence.
Register here

Cannabis products and legislation have evolved significantly in recent years, bringing new complexities to public conversations. Join us as we explore how cannabis products and policies have changed & understand how these shifts influence mental health outcomes. Examine how cannabis affects the brai...

05/28/2026

Iowa HHS is hosting in-person and virtual Request for Information (RFI) round tables for Maternal and Cardiovascular Health Hub and Spoke Networks of Care.
June 3, 2026 at the Lucas Building
Address: 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Please Register as capacity is limited to 70 guests
Parking Instructions: Guest parking is located to the North of the Lucas building. Please take the elevator to the Ground Level. The meeting will be in Assembly Room LG20-B. If you are interested in attending, please register below:

05/27/2026

Looking to deepen your understanding of Iowa’s health workforce challenges and opportunities? The upcoming Access to Care session will feature practical ideas, Iowa-focused conversations, and tools you can use in your own system. Space is limited—save your seat by registering today:

05/25/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance have a brand new webinar coming up on May 27 | The New Face of Stress: Science-Based Strategies to Manage Modern Challenges
Modern stressors are very different from those experienced just a decade ago. Stress levels have increased across nearly every demographic, and this trend is closely connected to lifestyle demands. Over time, these pressures can build up and, if left unmanaged, weaken our ability to cope. Explore the science of stress with a licensed therapist and learn how to develop simple, effective strategies that feel natural to use—without becoming overwhelming.
Register here

Modern stressors are very different from those experienced just a decade ago. Stress levels have increased across nearly every demographic, and this trend is closely connected to lifestyle demands. Over time, these pressures can build up and, if left unmanaged, weaken our ability to cope. Explore th...

05/18/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance have a brand new webinar coming up on May 18 | Understanding School Avoidance: Strategies to Support Re-Engagement
Explore the common reasons why children avoid school and how to identify the root causes behind school avoidance. You’ll gain practical strategies for re-engaging children in their education and learn how to collaborate effectively with schools to create supportive plans that foster success. Led by a mental health professional, this course provides compassionate guidance and actionable tools to help you support your child’s journey back to a positive, confident school experience.
Register here

Explore the common reasons why children avoid school and how to identify the root causes behind school avoidance. You’ll gain practical strategies for re-engaging children in their education and learn how to collaborate effectively with schools to create supportive plans that foster success. Led b...

05/13/2026

It's never too early to register for American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - Iowa Chapter's Central Iowa Out of the Darkness Walk in September! By registering early, you'll stay up to date with event updates at planning progresses! Register today at:

Please support the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de. Donate or register to walk!

05/11/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance have a brand new webinar coming up on May 13 called, "Substance Use and Mental Health: The Impact of Stress, Trauma, and Life Circumstances"
Learn why mental health and substance use challenges often occur together and how trauma, chronic stress, work environments, family habits, and life circumstances affect a person’s risk and recovery. This course emphasizes the underlying causes behind these issues and explains how relationships, the body, and daily environments all play a role. Part 1 in a 3-part series.
Register here

Learn why mental health and substance use challenges often occur together and how trauma, chronic stress, work environments, family habits, and life circumstances affect a person’s risk and recovery. This course emphasizes the underlying causes behind these issues and explains how relationships, t...

05/08/2026

The Center seeks to invest in efforts that advance evidence for healthcare interventions that reduce the incidence and impact of firearm violence and firearm su***de and promote well-being and healing where it is needed most. This approach uses the same rigor and expertise that has helped treat and prevent other leading health concerns and causes of death, such as stroke, cancer, and heart disease.

Since its inception, the Center has awarded more than $8.5 million through 49 grants across 25 states and Washington, D.C., to advance research, capacity building, narrative change, and education. Learn more and apply at:

Everything you need to know about this opportunity, including components that should be included in the LOI, and selection criteria.

05/07/2026

The 2026 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) site application is open through May 19, 11:59 pm ET. This is your opportunity to learn about and share a chance for eligible sites to join the NHSC network—no obligation implied.

NHSC-approved sites are located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and offer outpatient primary care services.
Benefits include support for clinician recruitment and retention, along with visibility on the NHSC Health Workforce Connector.

Who’s eligible?

Outpatient clinics including medical, dental, behavioral health, school-based clinics, rural health clinics, FQHC-lookalikes, CAHs, mobile units, substance use treatment providers, and certain correctional facilities—provided they meet HPSA location and other criteria.
Sites must offer care regardless of patients’ ability to pay, accept Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP, and run a sliding-fee discount or policies ensuring access.

Want to know more? Visit:

Learn how to apply to become a National Health Service Corps (NHSC)-approved site and find out when the new application cycle begins.

05/06/2026

Our friends at American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - Iowa Chapter have a second Yoga event in recognition of Mental Health Month coming up at the end of the month on May 26. Tickets are just $20 and the funds raised support the Central Iowa Out of the Darkness Walk: https://yoga-may26.attendease.com/?_gl=1%2A1sao5zf%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE3NzQyMDEzNzguQ2owS0NRandwdjdOQmhDekFSSXNBRGtJZld4bVZBZTF4UDh4ek91TmVPNEE0c253bDdZeWRKLXhtY0ZSa0JrZTNaUFFmVTV3MzR4MG1JUWFBdVM3RUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_au%2AMTM3MDU3NjYyLjE3NzY4OTE2MjE.