Western Michigan University’s
In-person Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training

Western Michigan University’s Suicide Prevention Program is offering Gatekeeper training for interested students beginning August 2007.

Trainings Offered in Spring 2008

What is Gatekeeper Training?

The training is an interactive program designed to be a basic introduction to suicide prevention. Participants learn how to recognize suicidal behavior, how to respond appropriately to potentially suicidal individuals, and where to find help. The training does not teach you how to do an in-depth clinical assessment of a suicidal individual. Gatekeepers have professional mental health support through the University Counseling and Testing Center.

What is a gatekeeper?

In the field of suicide prevention, a gatekeeper refers to someone who is willing to be the "safety net" for vulnerable students. After the training, a gatekeeper will:

• Know basic information about suicide
• Learn basic suicide intervention skills
• Know referral sources and have the confidence to respond to people at risk for suicide appropriately

Who Should Attend?

Any interested Western student is eligible to attend. Student groups may schedule a training as a group.

What’s In It for You?

By the end of the training, you will benefit both personally and professionally through: increased general knowledge about suicide, an increased ability to respond to a person who may be at risk for suicide with specific, basic suicide intervention skills, and increased personal confidence.

Additionally, students pursuing careers in helping professions will benefit from the training and be able to include the training on a resume.

How to schedule a training or for more information:

Contact Kathy at (269) 387-1850 or e-mail Kathy.lewis@wmich.edu