In November this year, the IASP Pan-American Conference represents a unique opportunity to address the pressing issue of suicide prevention across the Americas and aims to expand the scope and impact of suicide prevention efforts throughout North, Central, and South America.
With a full conference program designed for multi-sectoral audiences, the event offers a platform for experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to come together and exchange ideas, strategies, and solutions tailored to the diverse needs of the region.
The IASP Pan-American Conference will feature a dynamic program that covers a wide array of topics critical to suicide prevention. Some of the key themes include:
- Youth Suicide Prevention: Youth suicide remains an issue in many countries, particularly as mental health challenges among young people continue to rise. Presentations will focus on suicide rates and risk factors among young people, cultural considerations within existing strategies aimed at preventing suicide among young people, and protecting youth online.
- Online social media and messaging: Social platforms can act as both a protective and supportive community as well as a source for negative suicidal content. Discussions will also cover the complexities of technology’s impact on users as well as how social media can be used positively and with appropriate safeguards.
- Crisis Lines and Support Networks: Crisis lines are crucial lifelines for those experiencing suicidal thoughts. The conference will showcase the expansion of crisis line services in the region, with a focus on the 988 nationwide number in USA and Canada, accessibility, data and evaluation of services, and coordination with emergency responders.
- Lived Experience: One of the key objectives is to center the voices of those with lived and living experience of suicide. Their insights will guide research, policy, and practice, ensuring that prevention efforts remain compassionate and informed by real-life experiences.
- Culturally Informed Interventions: Given the cultural diversity of the Pan-American region, the conference will highlight how to develop suicide prevention interventions that respect and incorporate local cultural, linguistic, and social nuances.
Conference Outcomes
The IASP Pan-American Conference aims to achieve several important outcomes:
- Increased Regional Cooperation: Promoting collaboration among countries and organizations across the Americas to tackle suicide prevention collectively.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing the region’s ability to implement effective suicide prevention initiatives.
- Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating the sharing of best practices, research, and innovative strategies from the region.
One of the highlights of this year’s conference is the special session, “In Conversation With” Patrick J. Kennedy and Stephen Fried, moderated by Dr. Dan Reidenberg. This conversation will delve into their recently published book, Profiles in Mental Health Courage, which shares the powerful stories of individuals who have faced mental health challenges head-on.
Profiles in Mental Health Courage highlights the resilience and bravery of people living with mental illness and addiction, offering compelling narratives that illustrate the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. This session will offer attendees the chance to reflect on how personal stories can shift perceptions about mental illness and inspire change in both policy and public attitudes.
The conversation is expected to provide valuable insights into how storytelling can be used as a tool to change the way we think and talk about mental health and to create greater understanding and empathy around issues of substance use disorders and suicide.
The IASP Pan American Conference is not only an event but also a catalyst for future action. It offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders across the region to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and advocate for stronger suicide prevention efforts. By focusing on lived experience, sharing innovative strategies, and leveraging new data and technologies, the conference provides a platform to strengthen mental health initiatives across the Americas.
Ultimately, the goal of the IASP Pan-American Conference is to create lasting change by fostering cooperation, increasing capacity, and ensuring that suicide prevention programs are both culturally responsive and grounded in compassion. This is an essential step toward reducing suicide rates and promoting mental well-being across the Pan-American region.
