GATEKEEPER TRAINING

Samaritans of Merrimack Valley offers two free, Department of Public Health-funded trainings for “gatekeepers” to reduce the incidence of suicide among people ages 55 and older in the Merrimack Valley and throughout the state. Gatekeepers are people who, through their personal, professional or volunteer activities, have regular contact with older adults. Training attendees will learn how to recognize the risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors for suicide as well as how to talk with an individual at risk. We also provide resources so that at-risk individuals can get the help they need. The training consists of a power point presentation, handouts, vignettes, small group exercises, role playing and group discussions.

After the training, participants are able to assess an older adult's suicide risk, intervene with an individual at risk, and connect older adults with ongoing professional help. Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available for nurses, social workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) for 6.5 hours and 3 hours for EMT’s.

The Gatekeeper training is 8 hours in length and can be provided in one 8-hour session or two four-hour segments. Trainings can be held on site at interested organizations. For more information, contact: Mary Quinn, LICSW, Samaritans Training Coordinator at 978-327-6672 or mquinn@familyserviceinc.com.

We also offer a four hour gatekeeper training. This training is the non-clinical version of the eight hour training and provides information on recognizing the risk and protective factors of suicide and how to talk with someone at risk. This training is particularly suited to care givers, Meals on Wheels staff, administrative and transport staff, housekeepers, etc. Please call Bob Laprel., Samaritans Training Facilitator, at 978-327-6673 or blaprel@familyserviceinc.com for more information or to schedule a training.