Polk County Suicide Prevention Coalition

08/24/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance are hosting an upcoming webinar on August 24 | Supporting Emotional Regulation in Kids: Managing Emotional Storms
Despite our best efforts to prepare children to manage big storms of emotions, they will struggle sometimes. Managing emotional storms takes emotional & physical maturity, and practice. In this webinar we’ll look at the warning signs that indicate an emotional storm is on the horizon, interventions to support children when they feel an emotional storm brewing, and how to reduce the impact of the storm. Part 2 in a 3-part series.
Register here

Despite our best efforts to prepare children to manage big storms of emotions, they will struggle sometimes. Managing emotional storms takes emotional & physical maturity, and practice. In this webinar we’ll look at the warning signs that indicate an emotional storm is on the horizon, intervention...

08/19/2026

As of today, our friends at Ember Recovery Campus currently have immediate openings in their Virtual Intensive Out-patient program. This virtual IOP program is for youth and young adults (age 13-24) that need that level of care, or it can be used as an 8-week aftercare program as well. Their out-patient team is also working hard to offer virtual substance use evaluations within 24-48 hours of the referral. On campus, they have immediate openings in both our boys’ and girls’ in-patient substance use programs and immediate openings in our Crisis Stabilization program (ages 13-17). Check out the flyer for more information or reach out to [email protected] for more information.

08/18/2026

Registration is open for the NASW Iowa Symposium September 17 & 18! For more informatino and to register visit:

NASW IA Symposium 2026

08/14/2026

Check out this opportunity to attend a FREE Mental Health First Aid Training! More informationa n https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/news-and-press-releases/strengthen-community-well-being-apply-for-mental-health-first-aid-training-and-microgrant-funding/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_xceql0sui9

08/10/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance have a webinar coming up on August 10 | Supporting Emotional Regulation in Kids: Providing a Foundation to Manage Big Emotions
Children aren’t born knowing how to manage emotions or express feelings in appropriate ways. And when children don’t understand their emotions, challenging behavior can arise. This webinar will help you find ways to create healthy connections with kids, understand how to calm the child’s nervous system, and teach you skills to practice. Part 1 in a 3-part series.
Register here

Children aren’t born knowing how to manage emotions or express feelings in appropriate ways. And when children don’t understand their emotions, challenging behavior can arise. This webinar will help you find ways to create healthy connections with kids, understand how to calm the child’s nervo...

08/06/2026

Get ready for the new school year with a FREE webinar from the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG): In the Aftermath of Crisis and Loss: Practical strategies and tools for educators and other caring professionals to talk with and support children. Equip yourself or your school partners with essential tools for navigating grief and crisis response.

This webinar will introduce a new tool designed by the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement for educators and other caring professionals that outlines practical strategies to talk with and support children after a death or other school/community crisis. This tool – the 5Es (Engage, Empathize, Explore, Educate and Empower) – can be used by all educators and other caring professionals, including those without a mental health background.

If you work with schools or education professionals, please share this free opportunity with them to ensure they can take advantage of this complimentary webinar, including continuing education credits. Click here to forward the email to a colleague or friend: https://nacg.org/event/in-the-aftermath-of-crisis-and-loss-practical-strategies-and-tools-for-educators-and-other-caring-professionals-to-talk-with-and-support-children/?utm_source=All+Subscribers&utm_campaign=77ffe56fb9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_07_10_04_39_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b6ff283529-407020101&mc_cid=77ffe56fb9&mc_eid=ebaeff9621

08/05/2026

The Center for Applied Research Solutions, in partnership with the National Center for School Crisis Bereavement and the New York Life Foundation, is excited to announce the launch of Grief-Sensitive Schools Leadership Initiative (GSSLI) in September 2026.

Brought to you by the team behind the School Crisis Recovery & Renewal Project, GSSLI is a new, no-cost community that equip school and district leaders with the knowledge, tools, and peer support needed to guide students, staff, and communities through grief and loss with confidence and compassion.

GSSLI provides access to advanced training, practical resources, and a national network of grief and school leadership experts dedicated to strengthening grief-sensitive leadership in schools. Learn more at:

Grief-sensitive leadership starts here. Welcome to your new network. Join today to be a part of this national network of experienced, grief-sensitive peers. Sign up GSSLI Flyer What is GSSLI? From Disenfranchised Grief to Collective Care GSSLI is a new, no-cost professional learning community that e...

08/03/2026

Our friends at Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance are hosting a brand new webinar on August 4 | Trauma & PTSD: Symptoms, Healing and Support
Trauma is often misunderstood because its effects are not always obvious. Cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and individual differences often cause confusion about what trauma is and how it impacts a person’s life. These misunderstandings can create barriers to healing and support, leaving many feeling isolated or stuck.
Learn how to recognize the signs of trauma and when symptoms may indicate the development of PTSD. We will also explore treatment options and recovery paths, emphasizing that healing from trauma is possible. You’ll leave feeling more informed, compassionate, and empowered to support yourself and others on the path to healing.
Register here

Trauma is often misunderstood because its effects are not always obvious. Cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and individual differences often cause confusion about what trauma is and how it impacts a person’s life. These misunderstandings can create barriers to healing and support, leaving many f...

07/29/2026

Looking for an easy way to support the Central Iowa Out of the Darkness Walk? Join us for our Applebee's Fundraiser on Tuesday, August 4!

When you dine at the Applebee's in Ankeny, a portion of your purchase will be donated to support the Central Iowa Out of the Darkness Walk, helping the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de.

Here's how to participate:

📅 Date: Tuesday, August 4
📍 Location: Applebee's – Ankeny
📄 Bring the attached fundraiser flyer and present it when you order.

07/27/2026

Mindspring: Mental Health Alliance has a new webinar coming up on July 27 | Understanding How Divorce Impacts Children & Teenagers
Explore how children react to divorce at different ages and developmental stages, as well as the long-term effects into adulthood. Learn how to help kids cope with their feelings and lessen the impact of divorce with a licensed therapist. Part 2 in a 4-part series.
Register here

Explore how children react to divorce at different ages and developmental stages, as well as the long-term effects into adulthood. Learn how to help kids cope with their feelings and lessen the impact of divorce with a licensed therapist. Meet the Instructor: Susan Dannen is a Licensed Independent S...