Connect Postvention Training of Trainers Application

About Connect Postvention

"Postvention" refers to specific activities conducted in the aftermath of a sudden death, including suicide death. This training is geared toward professionals who may work together as part of a postvention response in their community. Connect Postvention uses a public health approach to understand suicide and postvention response across the social-ecological model to enhance the ability of professionals to provide an effective and appropriate response to suicide and sudden death across the lifespan and across systems.

The Connect Postvention training is a Nationally Designated Best Practice Program that was developed by NAMI-NH and tailored for Oregon in collaboration with the Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs.

The Connect Postvention training covers

• background information on the scope of suicide loss
  
• education in grief and bereavement in individuals, families, and communities
• recommended best practices in crafting postvention protocols, policies and procedures
• vicarious trauma
• postvention as prevention

 

Training of Trainers

The Connect training of trainers generates suicide postvention champions who will have a holistic view of postvention response systems, applicable legislation, nuance, and blending community cultural practices with national best practice guideline recommendations. Over 3 days, prospective trainers will explore training content and have rich discussions about postvention practice that will help inform their facilitation approach with various audiences. This training utilizes a co-trainer model- it is highly recommended to attend with someone who could be your training partner. If you do not have a training partner, we have trainers in 17 counties across Oregon who may be able to train with you.

Additionally, the Connect Postvention program has tailored modules for various professional backgrounds. All prospective trainers will learn the core curriculum, which is geared for social services and K-12 schools. Time permitting, trainers may also be authorized to facilitate an additional training module for behavioral healthcare, law enforcement, or faith leaders.

There is no cost to attend the training of trainers. Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided daily. Attendees will need to cover the cost of travel and lodging on their own.

PLEASE NOTE: Postvention training can be emotionally activating. If you have experienced a suicide loss or other sudden/traumatic loss in the last year, we recommend waiting for another T4T opportunity.

Please contact Lucina Armstrong Michaud, Suicide Prevention Program Lead, if you are unsure about attending: lmichaud@aocmhp.org

 

General Agenda (9a-5p daily)

•  Day 1 (April 13): Receive the Connect Postvention training as a participant
  
•  Day 2 (April 14): Practice facilitating Modules 1 & 2
•  Day 3 (April 15): Practice facilitating Modules 3 &4, activities

Upon trainer authorization, you will have support from the Postvention coordinator, Connect Lead Trainers, and a quarterly learning collaborative made of other Connect trainers throughout the state.

You will also have access to a Postvention Training Fund to receive reimbursements for training-related expeses.

Trainer Expectations:

• Attend three-day training of trainers in full (6-8 hours/day)
  
• Co-facilitate at least two trainings in two years (approx. 16 hours per training, including organization, preparation, facilitation, reporting)
• Regular attendance and participation in quarterly Connect Postvention Learning Collaborative meetings (3rd Thursdays in February, May, August, and November from 2-3pm)
• Submit required training summaries and evaliation materials to Postvention Coordinator via JotForm within one week of training completion
• Maintain fidelity to the Connect Postvention program and the intellecutal property of NAMI-NH  by close adherence to the curriculum as-is
  • Advance communication with Postvention Coordinator if curriculum adaptations are desired
• Provide trainings free-of-charge
• Provide trainings in Oregon only
• Understand that Connect Postvention training are not appropriate for the general public and should only be conducted with professionals/aspiring professionals who engage in crisis response

Recommended Trainer Qualifications

• A background in mental health, suicide prevention, grief and bereavement, crisis response, or a related field (professionally, have attended trainings, have done volunteer work, peer support, etc.)
• Ability to discuss complex and sensitive topics with diverse audiences
• An open, empathetic perspective on suicide loss
• Strong commitment to self- and community-care, with a strong support network
• (If you have lived experience) in a place with your healing where discussing suicide and suicide death will not cause undue harm to yourself or others