A series of community events this fall will offer residents an opportunity to learn how to recognize the signs of suicide, start life-saving conversations, and support someone in crisis.

Hosted by Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide (REPS) in partnership with UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, and Strings Music Festival, Talk Saves Lives An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) flagship education program.

The presentation provides an overview of suicide as a leading cause of death, the latest research on risk and protective factors, and practical tools for prevention.

Recognized on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry, Talk Saves Lives has proven to increase participants’ confidence in helping others with 94% of attendees reporting they are more likely to reach out to crisis services for themselves or someone else after the training.

Every person in our community benefits from this training as it helps each of us feel prepared to notice the warning signs, ask the hard questions, and offer support that could truly save a life.

Each Talk Saves Lives program will be followed by a complimentary light dinner, offering a chance for continued conversation and connection. Event locations will vary across the Yampa Valley, making it easier for community members from all areas to attend.

This free, in-person program reflects a shared commitment among local partners to promote understanding, connection, and hope.

Remaining discussions include:

• 6-7 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Hayden Center, 495 W. Jefferson Ave. near downtown Hayden
• 7-8 p.m. Oct. 30 at Soroco Middle School in Oak Creek
• 5-6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Strings Music Pavilion in Steamboat Springs

For more information or to register for an upcoming session, visit yampavalleyreps.org.