Franciscan Health Michigan City hosting suicide intervention training

August 3, 2026 - 16:40

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Franciscan Health Michigan City will host a two-day workshop next month designed to teach everyday people how to intervene when someone is having thoughts of suicide. The program, called LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or ASIST, is meant for anyone who might be the first point of contact for a person in crisis.

Organizers say family members, friends, and neighbors often notice warning signs before anyone else, but they may not know what to say or do. This training gives them practical steps to help keep a person safe in the moment. It is also useful for people in formal caregiving roles, such as social workers, clergy, or healthcare staff, who want to build on their existing skills.

The course focuses on what is called suicide first aid. That means learning how to talk openly about suicidal thoughts, how to assess the level of risk, and how to work with the person to create a safety plan. The training is led by two certified instructors and includes group discussions, role-playing, and other hands-on activities.

Franciscan Health officials say the goal is to make sure more people in the community feel prepared to step in and offer help. The workshop is open to anyone age 16 and older. Space is limited, and registration is required in advance through the hospital's community health and well-being department.