*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.
This training is for individuals or groups, especially those who engage in direct service provision for youth and families in Mecklenburg County. (Employees/Staff within education, Healthcare, Faith communities, Non-profit - especially youth-serving organizations, Government, Justice, and MOU partners of Mecklenburg County ReCAST II)
This event is funded through ReCAST II Mecklenburg, a SAMHSA-funded grant initiative.*
ReCAST II Mecklenburg, in partnership with South Piedmont AHEC and Teen Health Connection, is pleased to offer a two-part adolescent mental health webinar series focused on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide prevention. These evidence-based sessions are designed to equip professionals with practical strategies for early identification, intervention, and support of youth experiencing mental health challenges.
Register Today for Session 2 - Understanding and Responding to Adolescent Suicide Risk!
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and represents a critical public health challenge. According to recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey data 20.4% of NC high school students seriously considered suicide and 9.5% reported at least one suicide attempt. Additionally, nearly 40% of adolescents reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, underscoring the broader mental health concerns of NC teens that are associated with increased suicide risk.
Research consistently demonstrates that directly asking youth about suicidal thoughts is a critical component of prevention. Early recognition of suicide risk, combined with timely intervention and connection to appropriate supports, can significantly reduce the likelihood of harm. Suicide prevention frameworks emphasize the importance of routine and universal suicide screening, early identification of risk and protective factors and warning signs, reducing stigma, engaging in direct and compassionate conversations about suicide, providing timely access to support, and partnering with youth and families to develop collaborative safety plans.
This interactive workshop will provide participants with a practical, evidence-informed foundation for understanding adolescent suicide and responding effectively when concerns arise. Attendees will examine the developmental, psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to suicide risk, while also exploring the protective factors that promote resilience. Participants will gain confidence in implementing screening and recognizing warning signs, initiating conversations about suicide, responding when a young person discloses suicidal thoughts, and applying strategies to keep youth safe while facilitating access to care. Participants will be introduced to local and national crisis resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and educational materials, as well as local referral pathways to connect adolescents and families with appropriate levels of care. By integrating current research with practical prevention and intervention strategies, this workshop will equip participants to recognize suicide risk, engage in lifesaving conversations before or during crisis, and support adolescents and families as they navigate local resources and pathways to care.
Webinar Information
This webinar will be broadcast with Zoom. Instructions to join the webinar will be emailed prior to the event. You can test your computer by going to the Zoom Test Page.
Date and Time
Friday, Sept 25, 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Speakers
Betsy K. Thompson, M.Ed, LCMHC
Manager, Behavioral Health Services
Teen Health Connection
Check out Session 1!
Session 1 - Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: Evidence-Based Approaches for Prevention, Identification, and Early Intervention
Date/Time - Wednesday, September 23, 2026 (12:00 - 1:00pm)
Continuing Education Credits
(You MUST attend the entire webinar to receive credit).
CEUs
This Activity fulfills the requirement of 0.1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Contact Hours
This Activity fulfills the requirements for 1.0 Contact Hours.
1.0 Contact Hours (category A) CE for NC Psychologists
The South Piedmont AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists.
1.0 NBCC Clock Hours
South Piedmont AHEC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. South Piedmont AHEC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
*Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST II) is a program within the Mecklenburg County Department of Public Health. ReCAST II is a 4-year SAMHSA funded program. Its goal is to create a more resilient Mecklenburg County by supporting trauma-informed care in the roots of the community, increasing access to quality mental health care, and supporting the work of community violence prevention. To learn more, visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/recast
Watch this video to learn more about ReCAST II.
Registering for and attending a South Piedmont AHEC program authorizes South Piedmont AHEC to take audio, video, and/or still images to be used for promotional and educational purposes. If you have concerns, please speak with a South Piedmont AHEC team member. By registering for this training you are granting permission for South Piedmont AHEC to share your information with MCPH/ReCAST II.
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