
Join a discussion on how healthcare systems can support parents after a child’s suicide attempt on Wednesday, October 15th from 2 to 3pm ET.
About the Webinar
After a Child’s Suicide Attempt: How Healthcare Systems Can Support Parents will provide an overview of how Nationwide Children’s Hospital and University of Michigan Health have incorporated used the 'After Your Child's Suicide Attempt' film as a resource for parents. Participants will also hear the caregiver perspective of how important supports are when going through this kind of crisis and its aftermath. The webinar will provide information on how to access the film, and will offer the opportunity to ask presenters how they have incorporated it into their health systems.
The Need for Parent Resources
Suicide attempt rates among adolescents have increased in recent years and remain high—13.3% of female and 6.6% of male high school students report at least one past year attempt (YRBSS, 2023). Despite these concerning statistics, few resources exist for parents in navigating the immediate days and weeks following their child’s suicide-related crisis.
At the same time, staff in busy emergency departments and psychiatric hospitals often lack the time needed to sit with and educate parents following their child’s suicide attempt about their own complex feelings that may have arisen, fears they might be holding, and planning for after care and next steps.
About the Film
To supplement the clinical advice and guidance of healthcare providers, Zero Suicide at EDC and Parents to Parents have developed an educational, documentary-style film After Your Child’s Suicide Attempt, which interweaves stories from parents who have experienced their own child’s suicidal crisis with advice from national experts in suicide care and prevention. The film addresses the concerns that frequently emerge among caregivers, validates their concerns and feelings, and provides a roadmap on what to expect and strategies for different elements of the aftermath of a suicide attempt.

Ellyson Stout, a public health expert and thought leader, specializes in suicide prevention, cross-sector collaboration, and translating best practices to local contexts.

John Ackerman, PHD, ABPP, is a child clinical psychologist with the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH).

Syma Khan, LMSW, MPH, is a Clinical Social Worker & Project Manager for the Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

Susan Todoroff, Parent to Parent Support Group Co-Leader, NAMI Washtenaw County, provides overall program leadership for HIPAA for Caregivers. She also acts as the main connecting point with other mental health organizations.