Community Gatekeeper Training: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Older Adults & Suicide Prevention

Community Gatekeeper Training: LGBT Older Adults & Suicide Preventionis a 120-minute program, designed by Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, to train gatekeepers to recognize when a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) older adult may be at risk for suicide and respond appropriately. The target audience for this program is caregivers and service providers for older adults and/or LGBT communities (i.e. doctors, pharmacy technicians, care center staff, home health aides, residential facility staff, housing and transportation staff, Meals on Wheels volunteers, mental health professionals, and faith communities). Workshop topics include: unique challenges to successful aging faced by LGBT older adults; risk and protective factors associated with suicide; suicide warning signs; latest research, statistics, and theories on suicidal behavior; risk assessment; safety planning; and resources.  There are also skill-building, interactive activities for participants to practice asking about suicide and applying what they have learned through a sample vignette.  

Program Objectives

At the end of this training, participants will have:

1. Increased knowledge to recognize suicide warning signs;
2. Increased knowledge of suicide risk & protective factors;
3. Increased knowledge of suicide intervention resources;
4. Increased awareness of the gatekeeper role;
5. Increased comfort and willingness to ask directly about suicide; and
6. Increased willingness to respond appropriately to a suicidal individual.

Implementation Essentials

This workshop is designed to be presented by a skilled facilitator with a background in suicide prevention and mental health. It is preferred but not required that facilitators have a degree in the mental health or social service profession.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 5.3: Intervene to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in populations with suicide risk.

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.