2026 Preconference Gathering

We hope you can join us on Monday, June 15th in Madison for the Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Preconference Gathering for a SafeSide Care Suicide Prevention Framework training! SafeSide CARE training provides suicide prevention education for individuals working in a variety of professions including behavioral health, primary healthcare, youth services, and substance use services, bringing together both clinical and lived expertise. Training description, details, and pre-conference agenda below

Date/Time: Monday, June 15, 8:45-4:15pm

Registration: $50 (includes continental breakfast and lunch). Space is limited. Register early! Registration for the preconference closes on June 9, 2026 at 11:59pm. 

Exhibitor Tables: Exhibit tables are available.

Location: Black Business Hub (4th floor), 2352 South Park Street, Madison, WI

Parking: Available in the north or central lots with ramp parking next to the building (rate $1.80/hour)

Continuing Education: We are applying for continuing education credits with the National Association of Social Work

Agenda

SafeSide CARE Training

Learn, discuss, and engage in an evidence-based suicide prevention framework that can be utilized by a variety of professionals helping people across the lifespan. The four framework components will be introduced and explored. 

•    Connect - working to understand the person's individual context and experience
•    Assess - gathering and sharing information to develop person-specific plans and supports
•    Respond - interventions that help the person, such as safety planning, consultation, and referral
•    Extend - skill and strategies that support a person in their life, beyond the immediate crisis.

Practice key skills, learn best practices and approaches, thought partner with professionals, and consider how to effectively apply them in your setting and professional practice. Participants will receive a free subscription to the SafeSide CARE program which includes an online community of practice, robust resource library, and access to monthly office hours with key SafeSide professional staff. 

SafeSide CARE Trainers

Andrea Donegan is the School Counseling Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction providing coaching, technical assistance, training, consultation and resource development at the local, regional, and state level on comprehensive school counseling programs, suicide prevention, social emotional learning, college and career readiness and school-based mental health. Andrea served as a professional school counselor for 26 years at the elementary, middle, and intermediate levels. She holds administrative licenses for principal, Director of Instruction, and Director of Pupil Services/Special Education.

Erica Branson, MA is the Special Education Coordinator at CESA 1, where she leads regional initiatives in Comprehensive School Mental Health and Youth Suicide Prevention, coaches early-career special education teachers, and designs and delivers professional development related to special education best practices. With over 15 years of experience in the field of education, Erica has served as a Director of Student Services, a Learning Strategist Coach, Special Education Teacher, and is currently an Adjunct Instructor at Carroll University, where she specializes in best practices for students identified with an emotional behavioral disability. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from Marquette University, co-authored a book on scaffolding strategies, and is deeply committed to inclusive practices and student well-being.

We would like to thank our sponsors:

Funding for this conference was made possible in part by grants from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by the speakers or moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the DHS; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or the State of Wisconsin.