Why Take an AFM Workshop?
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Personal Trainers and Nutritionist
While we may assume that everyone in the gym is seeking to improve themselves such is not always the case. Mr. America took his life in 2012. One personal trainer that we have worked with confided, "Come to think of it I do feel like a counselor with many of my clients." While the code of ethics of a personal trainer are clear that "we do not practice counseling", one should listen to the client with empathy and maintain confidentiality and be aware of the need to make referral to appropriate mental health professionals when needed. Just as personal trainers are required to know CPR; so they should have skills in mental health first-aid and suicide intervention. The the fact is you are 20 times more likely to encounter someone that is suicidal than you are a person that needs CPR. For the same reasons, Nutritionist should take AFM training as diet has a direct link to mental health. See also Sports Figures that Died by Suicide Nutritional Risk Factors for Suicide Teachers and Coaches
In Georgia and 18 other states suicide intervention training is now mandated by law for every public school teacher. Even before the law was passed in Georgia AFM was working with public schools to provide this much needed training. "It is not hyperbole when I say that AFM training was the most impactful professional learning I have encountered in my 20 year career. I left the training a different person, equipped with the skills to save a life. I recommend this training, to everyone. Pike County Public Schools looks forward to an on-going partnership as we prepare more educators to accept the I Will Intervene Challenge."
Michael Duncan, Ed.D, Superintendent Pike County Schools HR Directors and Management
As part of an overall workplace psychological health and safety strategy, HR and Management should be aware of individual risk factors. A 2013 Gallop Poll revealed that Depression Costs U.S. Workplaces $23 Billion in Absenteeism. Developing a culture of mental health in the work force is good business sense! Anyone Who Wants to Make a Difference in the Community
AFM workshops are open to anyone at least 16 years of age. “I am the mom of a preteen and usually have a houseful of preteen boys. I also volunteer at the school level. I feel more confident in my ability to identify and intervene in case of suicidal behavior with these children.” Kim Brinkley |
Counselors and Life Coaches
Despite being the 11th leading cause of death and 2nd among young people, suicide is still largely a mystery to professionals. Among the 7,000 individuals AFM has trained 100s have been mental health professionals. “Excellent workshop! After 40 years in the counseling
field, it is rare I say that.” Marilyn Roberts, LPC Medical Professionals
According to Oxford University and other leading medical authorities despite increased awareness of suicide as a major social and medical problem, many health care professionals who have frequent contact with high-risk patients do not have adequate training in suicide assessment techniques and treatment approaches to suicidal patients. Studies in the USA and the UK have found that residency trainees, junior physicians and clinical psychology trainees report receiving little training or reading assignments on the assessment and management of suicidal behavior. Some physicians do not understand the clinical rationale for suicide risk assessment and the role they play in preventing suicidal behavior Chaplains and Parish Ministers
The typical seminar student receives little if any training in suicide intervention. AFM is contacted numerous times each year by ministers with a member in crisis. Often times in their words, "I think they may be suicidal and I am not sure what else to do." Law Enforcement
AFM works directly with law enforcement agencies to provide quality training that has proven to enhance skills development in dealing with critical incident situations. "Armed Forces Mission is a great community partner to the Peachtree City Police Department. We have been able to send several officers to the “I will Intervene” workshops where they have gained skills needed to assist people in crisis in our community. The skills learned through the workshops supplements what officers learn through the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). Because of the efforts of AFM our officers are better equipped to recognize and respond to someone that is considering suicide." Sgt. Brian Eden, Peachtree City Police Department |
