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Suicide‐prevention competencies for faith leaders released
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
mental health weekly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1556-7583
pISSN - 1058-1103
DOI - 10.1002/mhw.31871
Subject(s) - faith , alliance , faith based organizations , public relations , action (physics) , political science , sociology , law , theology , physics , quantum mechanics , philosophy
The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention announced April 17 the release of new national faith competencies to inform and equip faith leaders with the capabilities needed to prevent suicide and provide care and comfort those affected by suicide, according to a press release. The new resource, “Suicide Prevention Competencies for Faith Leaders: Supporting Life Before, During, and After a Suicidal Crisis,” was developed with guidance from faith community leaders and national suicide‐prevention experts. It presents feasible, practical, research‐based actions that faith leaders can adopt immediately to help save lives and restore hope in faith communities nationwide, officials stated. “Faith leaders are often seen as emotional first responders and are in a position to demonstrate leadership,” said Melinda Moore, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University and Action Alliance Faith Communities Task Force Private Sector co‐lead. “Using these new competencies, faith leaders can help to strengthen the congregations in which they serve to build more resilient communities.”