Join Us for ‘Connected for Hope’ – A Suicide Prevention Conference This September
Mental Health Association
The Mental Health Association of Rochester and Partners for Suicide Prevention are proud to present Connected for Hope: A Suicide Prevention Conference — bringing community members, providers, educators, and advocates together to build a community of suicide prevention through education, connection, hope, healing, and practical strategies.
Join us on Friday, October 2, 2026, for a full day of education, community connection, and meaningful conversations focused on suicide prevention, intervention, hope, healing, and resilience.
Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout sessions throughout the day, connect with community partners and resources, and explore practical ways to strengthen suicide prevention efforts across our community.
Register for Connected for Hope
Event Details
Friday, October 2, 2026
Registration & light refreshments: 8:30 AM
Conference: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES Professional Development Center
Entrance Door #3
3599 Big Ridge Road
Spencerport, NY 14559
Registration
$50 per person
Lunch is included.
Continuing Education Credits
We have been approved to provide 4.75 CME, SW, LMHC, and teacher continuing education credits for full-day attendance at the conference. Please indicate your continuing education needs during registration and provide the requested licensure information.
Educators seeking CTLE credits must also register through Frontline Education in addition to completing their conference registration.
Register for CTLE credits through Frontline Education
Breakout Sessions & Presenters
Explore four breakout sessions throughout the day, each offering three workshop options focused on suicide prevention, community connection, support, and resilience.
Registration, Light Refreshments & Networking | –
Check in, enjoy light refreshments, visit community resource tables, and connect with fellow attendees before the conference begins.
Opening Remarks | 9:00-9:30 AM
Welcome and opening remarks to begin the day.
Breakout Session 1 | 9:45–10:35 AM
Lethal Means Safety: Lock and Talk
Presenter: Lynne Mignemi
Problem Gambling: The Addiction with the Highest Rates of Suicide
Presenter: Bridget Doughtery Herman
Suicidal Behavior in Elementary School-Aged Youth
Presenter: Arielle Sheftall, PhD
Breakout Session 2 | 10:50–11:40 AM
Clinical Assessment of Suicide
Presenters: George Nasra, MD and Tziporah Rosenberg, PhD
Promoting and Implementing Youth and Teen MHFA in School Districts
Presenters: Joe Fantigrossi, PhD and Bridget Doughtery Herman
Allyship Is Suicide Prevention: LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Saves Lives
Presenter: Mickey DiPerna
Breakout Session 3 | 12:40–1:30 PM
Youth Mental Health First Aid in Black and Brown Communities
Presenters: Andrea McCleod and James Sculer
Lives Left Behind: How Suicide Impacts Loved Ones
Presenters: Katelyn Zufall, Maeve Cullinane and Bridget Doughtery Herman
Social Connectedness: A Key Protective Factor in Suicide Prevention
Presenters: Ashley Smith and Brian Beckler
Breakout Session 4 | 1:45–2:35 PM
No One Teaches Us How to Grieve: Understanding Loss, Healing and Connection
Presenters: Carri Raynor and Wendy Underhill
Affirmations in Color: Creating Soul Notes
Presenter: Allison Nichols
Finding the Glimmers: Journaling and Tiny Moments for Building Resilience
Presenter: Sarah Shelland
Self Care Meets Community Care: Building Resilience Together | –
Come back together for a closing session focused on the connection between individual self-care, community care, and resilience.
Conference Surveys, Certificates & Closing | –
Complete conference evaluations, receive certificates as applicable, and close out the day together.
Ready to join us?
