September 12, 2025 | By Emilie Jacques
Community members are invited to take part in ASIST, a free, two-day suicide intervention training taking place on October 16 and 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at UP Health System - Portage. ASIST, or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, equips people with the skills and tools to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide, and how to work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety.
“This training prepares you for the moment someone says ‘yes, I am thinking about suicide,’” said Kristine Martens, Copper Shores Outreach & Education program director. “Working through an actual intervention doesn't always come with training. We give you a good map to make sure you have all the parts you need to assure safety. Everyone will walk away with something out of it.”
The bulk of ASIST is focused on intervention, giving people the skills to help ensure the immediate safety of the individual contemplating suicide.
“ASIST is for everyone,” said Martens. “You don’t need a medical background, you can be a layperson; those who have formal training and those who have been trained by life experiences. This training is great for people who work in schools, mental health workers, group leaders and anyone who cares about suicide prevention and intervention.”
Registration and more information
Training is free of cost for attendees, including breakfast, lunch and light refreshments. Registration closes Friday, October 10, 2025. Sign up for ASIST by using the registration form below. Learn more about ASIST at Copper Shores by visiting the ASIST page. Learn more about the other trainings and prevention education offered by Copper Shores by visiting the Outreach & Education page. Receive a notification for upcoming Outreach & Education training opportunities by signing up for the free monthly email newsletter.
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This project is supported by Michigan's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funding Program #FRF5311, awarded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, and administered by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (the Commission). Points of view or opinions contained within this document do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Treasury or the Commission.
