Last updated on September 10th, 2024 at 03:37 pm

CALM 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 Length1 to 2 hours 3 hours
AudienceTraining 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.
LocationIn-person or virtuallyIn-person or virtually

Both CALM trainings are listed in the Suicide Prevention Research Center’s Best Practices Registry!

SPRC Approved Program Best Practices Registry Badge.

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.

For more information, please contact Olivia Bury at obury@agrisafe.org

Meet Our CALM Instructors

AgriSafe CALM instructors are trained and certified through CALM America.

Woman in green vest over white dress shirt


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 headshot.


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 headshot.


Olivia Bury, MA, PLPC
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 client’s safety during a time of crisis.”


Project Sponsors

AgHealth Central States: Center for Agricultural Safety and Health logo.
CHS logo.

Benefits

  • Gain practice navigating difficult conversations about safety and strategies for limiting access to lethal means.

  • Learn to recognize signs of distress and opportunities to intervene.

  • Know how to identify resources in your community, ahead of when they are needed.

This was very helpful. I am a city person who has grown up into being a rural health advocate. I was not raised around guns, so this perspective was helpful, and I know I need to adjust my language and approach to talking with people in crisis who have access to guns.

This was a fantastic introduction to firearms safety in situations of potential suicide and something that needs to be talked about much more. I really appreciated the focus on a neutral attitude toward firearms.