Utah Valley University will host its annual UVU Conference on Suicide Prevention next Friday.

The conference, which will be hosted by UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Services along with partners and sponsors, will take place from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Virtual attendance options will be available.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Utah had the sixth-highest statewide suicide ranking in 2019, and suicide was also reported as the seventh-highest cause of death among Utah citizens in 2017.

“This annual conference is a single-day event designed to explore solutions, raise awareness, and create a proactive approach to suicide prevention by providing education and access to resources,” a press release from UVU stated.

The conference’s keynote will be presented by Ann Moss Rogers, an award-winning author, TEDx storyteller, suicide prevention trainer and National Alliance on Mental Illness Virginia board member.

The afternoon session will be presented by Dr. Rheeda Walker, a leading scholar on African American mental health, and a fellow in the American Psychological Association.

“Our goal is to help provide resources to the community. A core value of UVU is that of exceptional care. We invite people to ‘come as you are’ and let them know that ‘UVU has a place for you.'” Toni Harris, assistant dean of administration in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said in a press release. “The suicide prevention conference provides the community with an opportunity to begin a dialogue and engage in these essential conversations.”

Event tickets for current UVU students will be free, and tickets for the general public will be $75. Tickets will include parking, lunch, conference materials, and virtual access to the event. More information on this event and ticket purchasing can be found here.

Continuing education units may also be earned at no extra cost for those working toward professional licensure.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Help is available 24/7.

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