Suicide Prevention Conference Underway This Week In Riverside County

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The annual Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition Conference scheduled this week in Palm Springs will provide tools and resources to support communities, first responders, and educators in the aftermath of suicide loss, according to organizers.

This year’s theme, “Postvention: Best Practices for Community Helpers, First Responders, and Educators to Respond and Support After a Suicide Loss,” highlights the importance of fostering resilience, compassion and healing across Riverside County.

The day-long conference begins at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, located at 277 N. Avenida Caballeros. The event is free and open to the public.

"Way too often, we know someone who has attempted to commit suicide or taken their own life," said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. "We know that depression, behavioral health issues or PTSD has been a cause of those actions. This conference provides a space to learn, to collaborate, to bring people together and to think about how we can build stronger systems of support ensuring that we don’t have to experience suicide among our friends anymore."

Thursday's keynote speaker is Dr. David J. Schonfeld, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and founder of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement. He will share insights from more than 35 years of experience helping schools and communities navigate grief and crisis.

Attendees will hear personal stories from those who have suffered loss and will have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions on how to access resources that strengthen both professional practice and personal well-being.

According to the latest data from Riverside University Health System - Public Health’s Epidemiology & Program Evaluation program, in Riverside County, there were 266 confirmed suicide deaths in 2024. Postvention practices play a critical role not only in supporting those grieving but also in preventing future tragedies.

"Connection is the starting point for healing," said Dr. Matthew Chang, Director of Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health. "When professionals and community members come together to share knowledge and support, they open the door for recovery and lasting hope."

The Suicide Prevention Coalition was established in 2020 by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and formed in partnership with RUHS-BH, RUHS-PH, the Riverside County Office of Education, law enforcement, community partners, and healthcare organizations.

The coalition works to reduce suicide rates by increasing awareness, improving access to resources, and fostering collaboration across agencies. In addition to the annual conference, the SPC offers a variety of free, evidence-based trainings and workshops throughout the year to strengthen community capacity for suicide prevention and support after a loss.

For more information about the conference, visit https://rivcospc.org/news/4th-annual-suicide-prevention-coalition-conference-thursday-october-2-2025-palm-springs.

Learn about the coalition: rivcospc.org.

For local data and resources on suicide prevention, visit RUHealth.org/public-health.

If you are struggling or know someone who is, contact the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. The hotline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.