Reshaping the Conversation about Aging to Reduce Suicide with Mary Curlew, LICSW

Suicide at any age is heartbreaking. Among older adults, it is also a major public health issue with those 85+ having the second highest rate of suicide. However, suicide in older adult populations is often unrecognized or undervalued for its severity. Concepts such as "burden" or suicide as a rational choice due to loss or age increase suicide risk.  In this workshop, we will challenge these perceptions and create a framework for aging that will improve prevention efforts and reduce risk. We will also focus on the impact of social isolation, discrimination and COVID 19 may have on suicide prevention efforts.

Mary Curlew, LICSW, is the Community Education and Training Specialist for Services for Older Adults at Jewish Family & Children’s Service. She is a Mental Health and Housing team member through JF&CS providing training and consultation for staff and residents in independent senior housing and related agencies on topics such as social isolation, coping with loss, trauma and suicide prevention. Mary has over 20 years’ experience providing mental health services and training in a variety of settings. Her specialties include trauma informed care, older adult behavioral health, caregiver support and holistic approaches to health care. She is an active member of both Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention and the Greater Boston Regional Coalition.

Objectives:

1. Examine ways discrimination based on age, race, gender identity and sexual orientation impact the behavioral health and suicide rates of older adults

2. Offer support for reframing suicide prevention efforts in our communities to include the real experiences of older adults and address both the risk factors and opportunities evident in this population, especially in light of COVID 19 concerns

3. Present prevention efforts already established to stimulate conversation and ideas about ways to respond to prevent suicide among older adults

Levels: All Levels

Tracks: Elderly/Disabled Population and Supervisory/Management

HUD Category: The Aging Process (Statutorily Required Training Area)

Certificates will be issued following completion of the feedback form/session test which will be sent to you following the webinar via email. Note - this is a NERSC CEU. This program has been approved for 1.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D 90082.

Payment, Cancellation  & Refunds:  All webinars require payment via credit card at the time of registration.  You will receive a confirmation and receipt.  If needed, then you can provide these to your organization for reimbursement. Attendees can cancel up until 2 days prior to the start of the webinar for a $30 refund.  The $5 cancellation fee is to cover event and credit card processing fees.

NERSC Webinars supported by CHFA, VHFA, Maine Housing, MassHousing, Rhode Island Housing and New Hampshire Housing.