Clark College Veterans Center to Host Free Public Workshops on Suicide Education Series
For Immediate Release
February 2, 2026
VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Veterans Center of Excellence at Clark College, in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Team from the Portland Veterans Affairs, will present Awareness to Action Series: Suicide Prevention is Everybody's Business, a free multi-session workshop series beginning Feb. 10, focused on education, prevention, and community action.
Designed to increase awareness, build practical skills, and empower participants to take an active role in suicide prevention, the series is grounded in veteran suicide prevention and open to community members. The workshops offer tools that are applicable across diverse populations.
The series reflects Clark College's commitment to fostering a compassionate, informed, and supportive campus and community. By combining national strategies, evidence-based practices, and open dialogue, the workshops emphasize that suicide prevention is everybody's business.
Event Information
Location: Gaiser Hall, Room 213, from 3–4 pm on Clark College main campus
Cost: Free - there is no fee to attend
Registration: Register for the series. When registering, you can indicate if you would like to attend virtually; a virtual link will be shared closer to the event date.
Driving directions and parking maps are available online.
All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.
Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.
Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
Workshop Schedule
Tuesday, Feb. 10 - Overview of Veteran Suicide and the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide
This workshop will review the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and how it is implemented nationwide. Participants will learn how to help prevent veteran suicide in their communities and how to access available crisis support resources.
Tuesday, March 17 - Lethal Means Safety — Safe Storage of Firearms and Medications
This session will explore why and how increasing time and distance between a person in suicidal crisis and access to lethal means can significantly reduce suicide risk and save lives.
Tuesday, April 14 - Safety Plans — When and How to Have One
Participants will learn how to create a Safety Plan, a practical tool that identifies coping strategies and sources of support. Safety Plans can help individuals manage suicidal thoughts by providing structure and support during moments of crisis.
Tuesday, May 12 - Postvention — Support After a Suicide
This workshop will introduce suicide postvention—an often overlooked but critical component of suicide prevention. Postvention focuses on providing immediate and ongoing support to individuals and communities impacted by suicide loss and plays a vital role in healing.
About Clark's Veterans Center of Excellence
The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence is dedicated to making Clark College the first choice for veterans, active duty, and military-affiliated students. The center engages, supports, and empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals by coordinating comprehensive services that address academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Offerings include tutoring, academic supplies, quiet study spaces, a computer lab with printers, practical workshops, and more.
Learn more at Veterans Center of Excellence
About Clark College
Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington's largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves almost 10,000 students, including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, and multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college.
VCOE and Event inquiries:
Kelly Aiello, Veterans Center of Excellence Program Coordinator
Phone: 360-992-2073 / Email: kaiello@clark.edu
General media inquiries and photo requests:
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing
Phone: 360-992-2243 / Email: mhefflin@clark.edu