2026 Suicide Prevention Summit: A Community Responsibility

The La Plata County Suicide Prevention Collaborative (LPC SPC) will host the 2026 Suicide Prevention Summit: A Community Responsibility, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Fort Lewis College Student Union.

The free event brings together community members and professionals for conversations about suicide prevention in La Plata County. The collaborative's work focuses on strengthening peer support, fostering connection and belonging, increasing awareness of local mental health resources, and helping people access support earlier.

"Suicide is a complex issue that requires a collaborative, community-wide approach," said Sydney Donnelly, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at La Plata County Public Health Department. "By strengthening connection and increasing awareness of available supports, we can build a stronger safety net for La Plata County."

The summit includes two sessions:

• Pre-Session for Working Professionals: 2:00-4:30 p.m. (doors open at 1:45 p.m.)
• General Community Session: 4:30-8:15 p.m. (program begins at 5:30 p.m.)

Community members are welcome to attend the general session, which opens at 4:30 p.m. with a resource fair, networking, and a shared meal.

Speakers include Matt Salka, La Plata County Commissioner; Shawna Legarza, PsyD, La Plata County Manager; Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, co-founder and president of United Suicide Survivors International; Josh Neff, president of Common Spirit Mercy Hospital; Mason Dyer, Upper Pine River Fire Protection District Special Projects Manager; and Sydney Donnelly, LPC Suicide Prevention Coordinator.

Breakout sessions will offer opportunities to learn and engage on topics such as recognizing warning signs, supporting men's mental health, youth intervention, lived experience perspectives, and suicide prevention challenges and solutions in mountain communities.

The professional pre-session brings together partners across healthcare, education, first response, nonprofits, and other community organizations. Discussions will focus on crisis response, navigating behavioral health systems, and supporting care providers.

Registration is free and encouraged. Attendees can note accessibility needs and language preferences during registration.

Register:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LPCSPS42826
Event details:https://www.lpcsuicideprevention.com/2026-summit