CMHLS - Youth Suicide & Substance Use Influence
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network Presents
CMHLS- Youth Suicide and Substance Abuse Influence
With:
Javon Reese, LLMSW, MPH
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Zoom Webinar
Registration: Virtual - Zoom
Brief Bio:
Javon Reese, LLMSW, MPH, is a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Centers for Family Development, Inc. (CFDI) in Detroit, Michigan, where he leads initiatives focused on suicide prevention, workforce development, and community engagement. He also serves on the boards of Kevin’s Song, Life After Incarceration Transition and Reentry (LAITR), and Six Feet Over. A professional facilitator of ASIST, safeTALK, and QPR, Javon helps organizations strengthen their capacity to support mental health and suicide prevention. Drawing on expertise in both social work and public health, he partners with communities and organizations to create sustainable systems of care and meaningful culture change.
Abctract:
This presentation opens the conversation about youth suicide and substance use by exploring the experiences, environments, and challenges that shape a young person’s life. Together, participants will examine stigma, warning signs, risk factors, protective factors, and the influence of substance use on youth well-being. Rather than focusing solely on behaviors, the session encourages attendees to consider what may be happening beneath the surface and how unmet needs, emotional pain, disconnection, and hopelessness can influence decision-making. Through reflection, shared learning, and practical application, participants will learn how to use the ASK-LISTEN-CONNECT framework to engage youth in meaningful conversations that promote safety, connection, belonging, and hope.
Course Objectives:
- Recognize signs, symptoms, risk factors, and protective factors associated with youth suicide and substance use.
- Describe the role of stigma, hopelessness, social determinants of health, and environmental influences in shaping youth suicide risk and substance use behaviors.
- Discuss how substance use may serve as an attempt to cope with emotional pain while increasing, vulnerability to suicide risk.
- Apply the ASK-LISTEN- CONNECT framework to engage youth in meaningful conversations that promote safety, connection, and hope.
- Articulate how PSP services contribute to improved outcomes for youth with serious emotional and developmental needs.
Continuing Education Credits:
-SOCIAL WORK(MI-CEC): These event hours meet the MDCH training requirement for MI-CEC staff: 2 Hours
-CERTIFIED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL(CMHP): These event hours meet the MDCH training requirement for CMHP staff = 2 hours.
-MICHIGAN CERTIFICATION BOARD FOR ADDICTION PROFESSIONALS (MCBAP): These event hours meet the MDCH training requirement for MCBAP staff = 2 hours.
-QUALIFIED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES PROFESSIONAL (QIDP): These event hours meet the MDCH training requirement for QIDP staff = 2 hours.
-Qualified Behavioral Health Professional (QBHP): These event hours meet the MDCH training requirement for QBHP staff = 2 hours.
Timed Agenda:
10:00 – 10:30 Welcome, framing the conversation, & understanding the person behind the behavior
10:30 – 11:00 Understanding risk, hope, and substance use
11:00 – 11:30 Substance use, suicide risk, and the adolescent brain
11:30 – 12:00 ASK-LISTEN-CONNECT: Practical Application
By joining us at this event, attendees consent to Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network's Detroit Wayne Connect photographing, videotaping and using your image and likeness.