One of the largest suicide prevention conferences in Michigan has announced that it will return in January 2021 with a new virtual format that will allow up to 1,000 participants. The Kevin's Song 5th Annual Virtual Conference on Suicide: Equity and Equality in Suicide Prevention will take place Jan. 21 through 23 and will feature a full virtual platform featuring a prestigious roster of leading mental health professionals, educators, and experts in the field of suicide.
Kevin's Song was created to honor Kevin Urso by his parents Gail and John Urso. Kevin was a child care worker at the Children's Home of Detroit. An animal-lover as well as a car aficionado, Kevin suffered from depression and took his own life on March 23, 2013, at the age of 41.
The conference will tackle suicide prevention through a social justice lens, addressing and challenging existing bias and belief systems.
"The journey from trauma to resilience demands that we address systemic issues to pave the way forward, from risk factors to access to quality care," read part of the conference's mission.
Researchers, clinicians and suicide prevention advocates will share information about suicide, suicidal persons and the repercussions of suicide at both the personal and community level. Equity and Equality in Suicide Prevention will emphasize suicide prevention for all demographics, with a special focus on high risk and underserved communities, and fairness to all regardless of one's race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or geographical location.
The three-day conference will include a School Summit and Saturday Survivor Conference in addition to other programming. For exact costs and a complete schedule, or to register, visit kevinssong.org/conference/.
