Training and Education Events
Donations from last year's activities and donations from participants were earmarked for education and training for the public in 2026-2027.
Because of those donations, we are able to offer the following events at no cost in 2026.
Our profound thanks to our donors!
- Saturday, June 27: Understanding and Raising Awareness about PTSD: A Community Session for Families, Friends, and Colleagues at 11:00 am at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium. 626 Bethany Road, DeKalb. Content will include causes, symptoms, methods on how to support someone with PTSD, and evidence-based resources and treatments available. This will be held on National PTSD Screening Day. It will help people reach out to someone they might know who struggles with PTSD and let them know that they are not alone and share information about treatment modalities that are available and effective.
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- Wednesday, July 15: VA S.A.V.E. Training (offered twice this day at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm) at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium. 626 Bethany Road, DeKalb. This session will focus on 4-steps that allow you to help a veteran in crisis. The acronym S.A.V.E. provides a helpful way to remember the step-by-step instructions to help prevent veteran suicide.
- Saturday, August 1: VA S.A.V.E. Training (as above) at 11:00 am at the Genoa Veterans Home, followed by a Veteran's Fair. Address is 311 S. Washington St. Genoa, IL.
- Sunday, September 20: VA S.A.V.E. Training (as above) at Noon (following the 3rd Annual Be the One Walk) at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium 626 Bethany Road, DeKalb.
- Friday, October 16: Columbia University Training Protocol for Suicide Prevention from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium, 626 Bethany Rd., DeKalb, IL. up to 150 people can be accommodated. Master trainers from Columbia University's program will be our faculty and will provide a 2-hour training program for our veterans and families, healthcare professionals, first responders, and the general public in the use of the protocols. This is a unique in-person experience with the trainers from Columbia University. After the training, participants will be able to: determine at-risk individuals, identify risk factors and warning signs, outline behaviors that indicate imminent risk, and communicate effectively with an individual who may be at risk of hurting themselves.
- Saturday and Sunday, October 19-18: Columbia University Training Protocol, Train the Trainer Program (25-30 invited Trainees) 8:00 am - 4:30 pm each day. Location TBD. The program will build capacity within our community and healthcare system to serve as a foundation to allow us to provide ongoing training to multiple people and organizations across all of Northern IL. This will be a valuable asset to spreading awareness and responsiveness across the region as a support for our veterans and first responders who may be in crisis.
