As physical distancing recommendations continue to be important to slow the spread of COVID-19, local governments and community-based partners are seeking to better address social isolation and loneliness. This is especially a priority for populations who faced isolation even before the pandemic and groups at higher risk for suicide and trauma such as seniors, youth, veterans, LBGTQ communities, among others. This Prevention Institute webinar will explore the importance of social connection for trauma and suicide prevention and how agencies and organizations have adapted their efforts to the current context.
Download the webinar slides here.
View the webinar recording here.
Access resources from the webinar here.
Panelists include:
- Tony Diaz, Senior Program Director, After School Matters
- Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President, AARP Foundation
- Edward Garcia, Co-Director, Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness
- Annette Marcus, Suicide Prevention Policy Manager, Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide
- Kris Bifulco, Connect Postvention Coordinator, Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs
Research shows connectedness may protect against suicidal behaviors by decreasing isolation, encouraging coping, increasing belonging, and building resilience. For young people, connection to caring adults and activities can buffer against the impact of childhood trauma and violence affecting youth.
Objectives:
- Describe the importance of social connection for preventing trauma and suicide amidst the pandemic.
- Explore how agencies and organizations have adapted their efforts to support social connection among different populations and addressed issues like the digital divide.
- Identify roles for local leaders, including local government and community-based organizations, in supporting wellbeing.
- Discuss opportunities for long-term recovery and systems change that supports social connection across diverse populations.
This webinar is part of PI’s Adverse Childhood Experiences and Suicide Prevention Rapid Response Training & Tools. Through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevention Institute has partnered with the National League of Cities and Dr. Howard Pinderhughes, Director of the Sociology Doctoral Program at the University of California, San Francisco, to offer training and tools to local government and their partners in supporting their communities.
This project is supported by Cooperative Agreement No. 6 NU38OT000305-02-03 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services or the CDC.
