CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means)

CALM strategies offers participants the opportunity to observe, practice techniques and learn to reduce access to firearms and Medic*tion.
About this Event

CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means)

The CALM Conversations workshop is designed to provide friends, family, and others with information on how recognize and respond to suicide risk with an additional focus on increasing lethal means safety – especially concerning firearms.

Participants learn how to talk with someone who might be having these thoughts in a collaborative, non-judgmental, and supportive manner. CALM Conversations is divided into four sections.

In Section 1, participants learn basic facts and misconceptions about suicide, common risk factors and warning signs, and the importance of means safety in keeping at-risk individuals safe.

In Section 2, participants learn to ask about mood and suicide, with opportunities to practice asking questions in their own words.

Section 3 focuses on connecting at-risk individuals to both formal and informal sources of support.

Section 4 focuses on discussing lethal means safety in a way that respects the at-risk individual’s rights and autonomy.

The goal is making the environment safer for the at-risk individual until their mood state improves. CALM Conversations is intended for a general audience and requires no prior training in mental health or suicide prevention. The workshop is 90 minutes in length.

For questions about this class, accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact David Goehl-Manolis at [email protected].

At least one week advance notice of need for accommodations is helpful.

NAMI Minnesota Cancellation Policy

NAMI Minnesota thanks you for registering to attend one of our classes. We understand that unforeseen situations arise and you may need to cancel your registration. If you are unable to attend, a substitute individual is welcome to attend in your place, but NAMI Minnesota must be notified in writing (e-mail is acceptable) with the name and contact information for the person who will be attending. NAMI Minnesota reserves the right to cancel any event, conference or class due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. If there is a cancellation, participants will be notified by telephone and/or email as soon as possible. We will make reasonable efforts to reschedule.