GREENWOOD — More than 1,000 Hoosiers have died by suicide every year since 2016, according to Indiana Suicide Prevention. A class at Franciscan Health hopes to prevent more deaths by starting hard conversations about self-harm.
The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or ASIST, teaches regular people how to recognize when someone is at risk of hurting themselves.
Tina Hoffman leads the training and said it is more important than ever to break the silence surrounding suicide.
"In the State of Indiana, the second-leading cause of death is suicide for ages 10 to 25. The more times we ask about suicide, it lowers anxiety, it lowers that fear, and it opens up the opportunity to have conversations," Hoffman said.
The people at Thursday's class in Greenwood specifically sought out the training. Hoffman said their willingness to learn is already a sign of progress.
"No one just wanders into a suicide prevention class," Hoffman said. "People come in that door because they're worried about their loved one. They're worried about someone else's loved one. They want to do better in their church. They recognize that somehow the ripple effect of suicide has come into their house."
Hoffman is willing to take her two-day course to any organization that e-mails her because of the lives it could possibly save.
"We're breaking down barriers and taking away stigma by getting people comfortable enough to say, 'I see that you're hurting,'" Hoffman said.
If you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you can call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.
If you are interested in the ASIST training, e-mail Hoffman at tina.hoffmann@franciscanalliance.org.
-
IPS Teacher charged with child seduction involving his 15-year-old mentee
An IPS teacher has been charged with child seduction following an investigation that revealed troubling allegations involving the man and a teenager he was mentoring.
Indiana Pacers launch 'Hearts for Hali' to support Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers have launched the "Hearts for Hali" campaign to rally fans behind Tyrese Haliburton as he recovers from a torn Achilles.
IMPD Investigates fireworks store burglary; surveillance footage released
Early Wednesday morning, a fireworks store at 21st Street and Emerson Avenue was the target of a burglary. Video shows a car driving into the business and multiple suspects inside the store.
From the dental chair to the fairway: McCordsville dentist plays in the US Open
Matt Vogt, a McCordsville dentist and amateur golfer, qualified for and competed in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club — a dream come true in his hometown of Pittsburgh.
