September Webinar: The Reality of Suicide

Workshop Date & Time: Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 6-9PM EST

Where: ZOOM

Workshop CEU Amount: 0.3 Professional Studies CEUs

Suicide is a topic that we aren’t comfortable talking about until we have to. It is a reality that does not discriminate; it doesn’t care who you are or what you do, it can affect anyone. Presented by an interpreter & sibling suicide loss survivor, this workshop will be an open honest conversation about what interpreters need to know about suicide: the facts, statistics, appropriate language (ASL & English), warning signs, risk factors, terminology, myths, and prevention. We will also talk about strategies for safely and effectively working with suicide loss survivors, attempt survivors, and individuals calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Let’s talk.

A portion of the proceeds from this webinar will go to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) with a minimum donation of $200.

1. Identify various warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors for suicide.
2. Discuss current trends and statistics related to suicide and how this might impact the work they do.
3. Review common terminology related to suicide and discuss how it is accurate or inaccurate for the situation (in ASL and English).
4. Discuss strategies for safely and effectively working with suicide loss survivors, attempt survivors, and individuals calling the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.

Tarra Grammenos, M.S., SC:L, NIC Advanced, holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Graduate Certificate in Legal Interpreting, Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology of Deviance, and Associates Degree in American Sign Language /English Interpreting. Born and raised in Minnesota, Tarra has been an ASL/English interpreter for 15+ years. Since the death of her youngest brother to suicide in 2017, Tarra has immersed herself into the field of suicidology, attends monthly suicide survivor support groups, Out of the Darkness walks, and even hosts an ASL event for the Annual International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. She’s also been heavily involved with her local MRID chapter as previous president, conference chair, and various committees. She resides in Minnesota with her partner, Patrick and their adorable chihuahua, Junior.