In-Person :: 1-Day Conference (8:15 AM to 4:00 PM EDT) :: Continuing Education (CE) Credit Available

The 10th Annual Erie County Suicide Prevention Conference is a collaborative effort of the Suicide Prevention Advisory Board of Erie County and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor. This year’s theme is “Suicide Prevention: Many Roles, One Mission.” The conference provides education and connection among community members to strengthen suicide prevention and intervention across Erie County.

This conference is appropriate for professionals, students, family members, and community members. Continuing education credit is available for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, and educators. Community members may register at the non-professional rate.

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM EDT (check-in opens at 7:00 AM)
Format: In-person
Location: Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA

Cost:

• Professional, includes CE credit: $75
• Non-professional, no CE credit: $60
• Student: $40

Scholarships: Scholarships are available for anyone who would benefit from attending but does not have the means to do so. Contact Sharon Sandberg at sandbergs@upmc.edu to inquire.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the factors that affect an individual’s statistical likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation and attempts.
• Develop strategies to create protective environments, including reducing access to lethal means, building healthy organizations through policy and culture, and reducing substance use.
• Develop strategies to improve access to and delivery of mental health and suicide care.
• Explore strategies to lessen harm and prevent future risk through intervention after a suicide, collaborative relationships, and creative outlets for coping with loss and with personal experiences of a suicide attempt.
• Develop strategies for collaboration throughout prevention and while supporting people who are currently experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Breakout Sessions

Breakout 1, 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM

• Navigating the Aftermath of Client Death by Suicide: The DREAM Model for Supervision, presented by Pensiri Nuk Kongkaw-Oden, Robin Archer, and Rebecca Willow
• The Impact of Crime on Victims: Understanding Trauma, Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention, presented by Madelyn Fife
• At Risk in a Modern World: What’s Driving Youth Suicide Today, presented by Jamie Zelazny

Breakout 2, 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM

• Grief Through the Eyes of Suicide Loss Survivors, presented by Donna Pandullo, Kelly Monk, and Carley Shearer
• Why Stress Impacts Mental Health More Than You Realize, presented by Kevin Berceli
• Breaking the Silence: Evidence-Based Practices in Addressing Suicidality in Behavioral Health, presented by Trish Caldwell

Breakout 3, 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM

• Beyond the Warning Signs: Introducing the V.I.S.I.O.N. Framework for Crisis Prevention, presented by Brandon Wiley
• Supporting the Supporters: Practical Tools for Families Navigating Suicide Risk and Higher Levels of Care, presented by Christina Paternoster and Tracy Palazzotto

Attendees select one session from each breakout block during registration.

Continuing Education Credit

A maximum of 5.0 credits is available in each of the following categories:

• American Medical Association (AMA) PRA Category 1 Credit for physicians
• American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Category 1 continuing medical education (CME) credit
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) contact hours for nurses
• Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) general continuing education credits for social workers and counselors
• American Psychological Association (APA) credits for psychologists
• Act 48 hours for educators
• Certificate of attendance for other healthcare professionals, commensurate with participation

In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Registration

Register through the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences.

Find out more and register at UPMC’s Website

Refunds are available up to seven days before the event.

Hosted by: Suicide Prevention Advisory Board of Erie County and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor. Continuing education is provided by the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences.

This event is shared as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it helpful. Event details are provided by the host organization and are subject to change.