Polk County Suicide Prevention Coalition

08/24/2025

Everystep has an upcoming support group called: Mind & Motherhood maternal mental health support group (6-weeks) Tuesdays 9/2−10/7 from 10 a.m.−Noon at Calvary Chapel 606 E. 9th St., Des Moines 50316. For more information and to register visit https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=RODg4ZcPaEGUlGZp1oRCs817UmgmoGZDnSr-XRBkHnBURTdFRDNWUzUyOEVMN0RPN0lXTFYxNldaVC4u&route=shorturl

08/23/2025

Check out this upcoming professional development opportunity at Simpson College!

08/18/2025

Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance has a webinar coming up on August 19 titled, "The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness"
Substance use disorders and mental illnesses are caused by overlapping risk factors. Explore the reciprocal relationship between substance use and mental illness, and discuss the role of genetics, environment, and trauma with a licensed therapist.
Register here

Substance use disorders and mental illnesses are caused by overlapping risk factors. Explore the reciprocal relationship between substance use and mental illness, and discuss the role of genetics, environment, and trauma with a licensed therapist. Learn what treatment looks like and how to cope in t...

08/15/2025

NASW-Iowa 2025 Symposium - Hope, Healing, and Advocacy: Managing the Personal and the Professional - September 18 and 19, 2025 - 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
Click here for more information and to register:

NASW IA Symposium 2025

08/11/2025

Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance is hosting an upcoming webinar on August 13 titled, "Understanding Su***de"
There is a common myth that discussing su***de or asking about suicidal thoughts could potentially encourage su***de attempts. The truth is that open and honest conversations about su***de plays a crucial role in prevention. Explore the causes of su***de, the warning signs, and how to cope in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Register here

There is a common myth that discussing su***de or asking about suicidal thoughts could potentially encourage su***de attempts. The truth is that open and honest conversations about su***de plays a crucial role in prevention. Explore the causes of su***de, the warning signs, and how to cope in this o...

08/09/2025

This week, the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention announces the launch of Caring Communities: Guidance for Supporting Survivors of Su***de Loss. This new program is a one-hour presentation available in person or virtually, and designed to provide participants with information, resources, and practical guidance on how to support someone who has experienced a recent loss to su***de. The program is suitable for workplaces and community groups who want to learn how to build more supportive environments for survivors of su***de loss.

Developed by AFSP’s National Loss & Healing Council, which is made up of experts and individuals with lived experience of su***de loss, Caring Communities offers actionable insights on navigating conversations, addressing cultural considerations, and implementing practical support strategies across diverse settings for loss survivors. Register for the first session on September 4th at:

08/08/2025

All healthcare professionals are invited to attend this upcoming conference from Des Moines University! The robust demand for mental health services has grown steadily and outpaced the supply of psychiatrists. Non-psychiatric clinicians are increasingly filling that void and providing vital mental health care in many settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. This conference will provide additional support to these clinicians so that they are better prepared to meet the mental health needs of their patient populations:

Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists will be held in person at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA, and streamed live via Zoom. The cost to attend is the same for both options. During the registration process, you will select your preferred attendance option.

08/04/2025

Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance has a webinar coming up on August 5 titled, "What is Emotional Intelligence?"
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize your own emotions and how other people feel, and use this information to understand behavior and guide decision-making. Explore the core components of emotional intelligence and gain practical tools to understand and manage your emotions in this one-hour seminar.
Register here

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize your own emotions and how other people feel, and use this information to understand behavior and guide decision-making. It’s a skill set that can be developed and improved; people with high emotional intelligence are better at navigating relations...

08/01/2025

Join PsychArmor and Support The Enlisted Project (STEP) on Tuesday, September 9 for a powerful and interactive training designed to equip professionals with the tools to recognize and respond to su***de risk—viewed through the critical lens of financial wellness and mental health. PsychArmor's CEO, Dr. Tina Atherall, and STEP Vice President, Kathi Bradshaw, will lead the conversation, offering valuable insights and practical strategies to support individuals facing mental health challenges and financial hardships. Learn how financial stressors impact emotional wellbeing and gain actionable strategies to support those at risk. This training is ideal for professionals working with service members, Veterans, and their families. Reserve your ticket today and be part of the solution:

Join PsychArmor & STEP on September 9th for training on spotting su***de risk through financial wellness & mental health. PsychArmor's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Tina Atherall, and STEP Vice President, Kathi Bradshaw, will lead the conversation, offering valuable insights

07/27/2025

Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance is hosting an upcoming webinar on July 28 on the topic of, "Childhood Trauma: The Stages of Healing | part 2"
While trauma seriously impacts children, there is also hope for healing. Explore the three stages of trauma healing and learn what children need during these stages. Caregivers will learn how to recognize & respond to trauma reactions in an empathetic and supportive manner, while teaching children skills to manage big feelings as they move through the stages.Part 2 in a 3-part series.
Register here

While trauma seriously impacts children, there is also hope for healing. Explore the three stages of trauma healing and learn what children need during these stages. Caregivers will learn how to recognize & respond to trauma reactions in an empathetic and supportive manner, while teaching children s...

07/24/2025

Big news! The Youth Su***de Prevention Training in September has been moved to be virtual! Check out the flyer below for more information about this FREE training opportunity! https://forms.gle/k3iDbNnL52zi8oBE9

07/20/2025

Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance is hosting an upcoming webinar on July 22 on the topic of, "The Science Behind Mental Illness"
Diagnosing mental illness isn't like diagnosing other chronic diseases. \Explore the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and separate myths & facts in this often-misunderstood topic.
Register here

Diagnosing mental illness isn't like diagnosing other chronic diseases. Are mental health disorders best understood as physical illnesses that affect the brain? Or do these disorders belong in a category all their own? Explore the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental illness in this one-hour....