LSUS to host annual bullying and suicide prevention conference Friday

LSUS to host annual bullying and suicide prevention conference Friday

SHREVEPORT - LSUS Continuing Education and the LSUS Department of Psychology will host the 15th annual Bullying Prevention and 20th annual Suicide Prevention Conference on Sept. 12 on the LSUS campus.

This in-person event will provide continual training for educators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other youth-serving professionals with insights, practical strategies, and valuable continuing education on two of the most urgent mental health challenges.

The combination of bullying and suicide prevention tracks into a comprehensive, full-day conference designed to meet growing professional development needs and earn three general and three clinical Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Attendees will benefit from in-depth keynotes, local resources, networking, and meaningful dialogue around two of the most urgent issues affecting young people today.

"Despite anti-bullying laws in all 50 states, families and communities continue to suffer unimaginable losses as we lose exceptional young lives to this relentless crisis," said Dr. Allen Grant, Dean of LSU Shreveport's College of Education and Human Development. "Universities have a profound responsibility to lead the way by uniting community partners, schools, and mental health professionals. Through research, advocacy, and teacher training, we can confront bullying at its roots, protect our students, and ensure that no family endures this heartbreak alone."

The annual Bullying and Suicide Prevention Conference ensures counselors, school psychologists, psychologists, social workers, and teachers are updated on new developments in research and evidence-based treatments to provide the best care possible.

The morning keynote by Taylor Davis, Ed.S., LPC, will focus on evidence-based tools to recognize and respond to suicide risk while supporting individuals and institutions through crisis and healing. Lunch will include a short presentation on the Peer Initiative Program. The afternoon session will present current findings on the psychological impacts of bullying and offer how to diagnose trauma caused by bullying. This information is vital for developing critical skills for anyone providing bullying or suicide prevention and intervention services.

"Bullying is a highly relevant and challenging issue impacting people across the lifespan," said Dr. Tracie Pasold, afternoon speaker, Associate Professor, and Interim Director of the LSUS Department of Psychology. "Ongoing engagement in dialogue, education, and development of prevention and intervention strategies is imperative."

The Annual Bullying Prevention and Annual Suicide Prevention Conference will cover the latest evidence-based and best practices for implementation in bullying and suicide prevention. It is an opportunity to start the school year informed, empowered, and inspired to make a difference in the lives of students and communities. For details on the agenda, and to register for the conference, visit the LSUS Continuing Education website at: https://www.ce.lsus.edu/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=1983