Last updated on February 6th, 2026 at 01:41 pm
CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means) is a practical intervention for increasing the time and distance between individuals at risk of suicide and lethal means, particularly firearms. CALM is the oldest and most widely used training on lethal means safety, and teaches why access to lethal means matters. It also equips individuals to intervene effectively with those at risk of suicide, both before and during a crisis. Trainings are available for general audiences and clinicians.
CALM Training Options
| Conversations on Access to Lethal Means | Counseling on Access to Lethal Means | |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop Length | 1 to 2 hours | 4 hours |
| Audience | Training for general audiences – no clinical background required. Perfect for community groups, suicide prevention coalitions, shooting clubs, parent groups, EMS/emergency responders, and health professionals with limited time. | Created for mental health clinicians, primary care providers, substance abuse counselors, hotline responders, and crisis intervention services. |
| Location | In-person or virtually | In-person or virtually |
Both CALM trainings are listed in the Suicide Prevention Research Center’s Best Practices Registry!
Cost
Training fees will vary depending on travel and trainer requirements. Currently there is funding that covers trainings in the following states: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. However, all states and territories are welcome to request this training.
Continuing Education
Conversations on Access to Lethal Means – Available Continuing Education
Continuing Education for Multiple Disciplines: This course is jointly provided by the University of Michigan Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering.
Continuing Education for Community Health Workers: CHW and/or CHW-I CEUs are available through the University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center, Center for Community & Rural Health Education. See individual courses for additional information.
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means – Available Continuing Education
American Psychological Association: The Florida Psychological Association is approved by Florida Department of Health, Board of Psychology and Board of School Psychology to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Florida Psychological Association is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling as a provider of continuing education. FPA maintains responsibility for this program and its contents.
Florida Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Florida Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Counselors: The Louisiana Counseling Association is approved by the Louisiana Licensed Professional Board of Examiners to offer continuing education clock hours. This presentation has been reviewed and approved for 3.5 CE clock hours for Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors.
For more information, please contact Tara Haskins at thaskins@agrisafe.org
Meet Our CALM Instructors
AgriSafe CALM instructors are trained and certified through CALM America.
Tara Haskins, DNP, MSN, RN, AHN-BC
Total Farmer Health Director
“Suicide is a complex issue. But when we talk about access to lethal means, we remove the ‘how’ from the shadows and save lives. Let’s come together, raise awareness and shine a light of hope because every life is precious and worth fighting for. Join the conversation and help make a difference in your community.”
Linda Emanuel, RN, BSN
Community Health Director,
Ag Producer
“Farmers and ranchers have substantial workloads with multifaceted stressors that complicate their work/life balance. This imbalance can weigh them down so heavy, that they change in ways that causes considerable worry for families and friends. Conversations on Access to Lethal Means provides language and guidance for individuals to confidently navigate addressing these situations, to help protect and preserve a life, a family, and a legacy.”
Olivia Bury, MA, LPC
Behavioral Health Specialist, Counselor
“Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) enhanced my capabilities as a mental health clinician, providing me with appropriate terminology, options for safe firearm storage, and strategies to help create time and distance. After taking this training, I feel confident and prepared to support my clients’ safety during a time of crisis.”
A special thank you to our project sponsor:
