From the youth to the corporate world, Thurl Bailey inspires others to win whatever the odds or disappointments. Master storyteller and accomplished speaker, he inspires companies and individuals to focus on what matters most; to persevere, build winning teams, encourage peak performance, develop leadership, and discover opportunity in change. Twice Bailey has led teams from far behind to win national championships. His most recognized title was the 1983 North Carolina State Wolfpack team which beat the famed University of Houston (Phi-Slamma-Jamma) Cougars, featuring Hakeem Olajuwon & Clyde Drexler. That nation championship game was voted top 5 finishes of all time of any sporting event.
In this presentation, the focus will be on how Indigenous healers in many cultures have long been recognized for their traditional knowledge and practices in managing trauma, mood disorders, and pain. These healers, who often hold deep cultural and spiritual connections to their communities, offer alternative approaches to mental health management that consider the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual. While Indigenous healing practices vary across different cultures and regions, healthcare providers can resolve ethical dilemmas and make space for Indigenous healers and practices alongside evidence-based practices.
Grief literacy is a goal within the larger Compassionate Community movement. In addition to formal care offered by grief counselors, mental health clinicians, and palliative and hospice care professionals, the Grief Literacy Movement seeks to equip all citizens to support one another in times of loss, suffering, and bereavement. In this session, we will provide a framework for creating and sustaining compassionate communities that enhance supportive care and reduce suicide risk.
During her plenary address, Dr. Burke Harris will share her groundbreaking research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the long-term effects of childhood adversities. Dr. Burke Harris will discuss how ACEs can lead to toxic stress, which can disrupt brain development and increase the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Dr. Burke Harris will also highlight the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed care in mitigating the impact of ACEs. In addition to her research, Dr. Burke Harris is a passionate advocate for children's health and well-being. She has been a vocal proponent of policies and programs that prioritize the needs of children and families, including the creation of a California Health Task Force led by Dr. Burke Harris herself. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship.
The primary goal of this presentation is to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of trauma and suicide within the first responder community, which has one of the highest rates of suicide of any population. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these heroic individuals and learn practical strategies to enhance resilience and foster a culture of support.
Youth suicide, anxiety, and depression are on the rise, and parents feel desperate to protect their children physically and emotionally but don’t always know how. Additionally, mental healthcare workers and school counselors are stretched thin and unable to meet the increasing demand alone. As parents learn to care for their child's mental health, they can strengthen their communities by increasing resilience among youth. In this session, participants will learn how parents and practitioners can work together to improve youth mental health and prevent suicide. Access to free online parenting courses that support parents in addressing common mental health issues will also be provided.
CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means is an evidence-based training designed to help providers implement counseling strategies to help clients at risk for suicide and their families reduce access to lethal means, particularly (but not exclusively) firearms. This training includes several components: background on suicide data and lethal means, an introduction to firearms, presentations that model the counseling strategy, and discussion on conducting a counseling session.
