All learning activities will focus on building key public health skills in prevention and programming, while applying that knowledge to suicide prevention. We encourage you to apply if you:

• are a North Carolina county or community group, coalition or organization focusing on the prevention of suicide, whose members represent multiple backgrounds or disciplines;
• have a core team of three to six members;
• plan to implement or develop suicide prevention programs based on the 2015 North Carolina Suicide Prevention Plan.

Each team will receive expert coaching on their project throughout a six-month program with two in-person sessions held in Chapel Hill. Key skill development areas include:

• finding and using data on suicide in NC and in your community or region;
• evidence-based and promising approaches to suicide prevention;
• developing, implementing and sustaining effective programs;
• measuring success with program evaluation built-in from day one;
• mobilizing and sustaining a community coalition;
• successful grant writing;
• effective messaging and communications.

If accepted, your team must be able to meet on these dates in Chapel Hill. Though there are no tuition costs for attending the Academy, your team will be responsible for room, board (dinner only) and travel costs. Approximately six teams will be invited to participate following the application review. Please apply by August 29, 2015.

To apply, visit the application website.