Start the Conversation: a suicide presentation for healthcare & behavioral health providers

Event Agenda
Friday, November 17, 2023 | Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth MI

7:30-8:15 AM – Registration Check In

• Welcome food and beverages

• Visit local resource and vendor/activity tables

8:15 AM - ​WELCOME

Barb Smith, Executive Director of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network

8:20 AM - "START THE CONVERSATION" with Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia
a suicide presentation for health care and behavioral health providers

9:15-9:35 AM - REFRESHMENT BREAK

9:35 AM - "START THE CONVERSATION" Q & A with Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia

10:30-11:00 AM - VIEWING OF EXHIBITION TABLES 



Our guest speakers Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia are traveling from California.  The duo will share their lived experiences leaving participants with a better understanding of the "why" of suicide.

Kevin Briggs was the Guardian (police officer) of the Golden Gate Bridge that helped move people from a place of hopelessness to a place of safety. Kevin’s quote, “sometimes the longest journey we can take is just 18 inches...from our head to our heart.”  Kevin Berthia is a young man who survived a near suicide attempt. Kevin Briggs spent 92 minutes talking to Berthia as he stood on the ledge of the bridge. Berthia will share his perspective from a person who struggles with thoughts of suicide.