SMVF Learning Community Training: Strengthening Community-Based Postvention Responses

SMVF Learning Community Session 2: Strengthening Community-Based Postvention Responses

Learning Objectives

• Highlight approaches for mobilizing community partners after suicide loss

• Review strategies for engaging Veteran-serving organizations, local agencies, and faith-based groups

• Explore the Arizona Be Connected Community Guide to Postvention as a practical tool for building sustainable networks

Presenter

Nicola Winkel, M.P.A. | Project Director, Arizona Coalition for Military Families

Ms. Winkel is the Project Director for the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, a nationally recognized public/private partnership dedicated to supporting service members, Veterans, families, and communities. She played a principal role in creating Arizona’s Be Connected program, which emphasizes upstream prevention to improve social determinants of health and reduce suicide risk. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience, she specializes in program development, project management, communication, and sustainability. Beyond the Coalition, she has consulted on state and national initiatives, including the Arizona National Guard’s Be Resilient program, WICHE’s continuing education efforts, a Department of Defense study adapting Mental Health First Aid for military populations, and the White House PREVENTS Initiative. Ms. Winkel has presented at numerous conferences, holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Illinois and a Systems Thinking Certificate from Cornell, and has been honored with the Adjutant General Medal and as one of Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women.

Register here: https://prainc.zoom.us/meeting/register/SK5PnCF_ThOYeFiMbyOknA#/registration

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SMVF Learning Community: Supporting Healing After Suicide for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families

Suicide loss has lasting effects on families, peers, providers, and entire communities. A thoughtful, organized postvention response not only supports survivors in their grief but also serves as a vital component of suicide prevention. Building on the webinar Support After Suicide Loss: Postvention for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families, this three-part learning community series will offer participants a deeper dive into strategies and resources for creating community-driven postvention responses that reduce risk, promote healing, and strengthen resilience.

This learning community will provide participants with an opportunity to learn in a small group and interactive setting. The objectives of this learning community are to (1) understand the role of postvention in reducing risk and supporting recovery after suicide loss, (2) explore peer and community-based models that provide timely and ongoing support to suicide loss survivors, and (3) identify practical resources and tools for building sustainable postvention systems that meet the unique needs of military and Veteran families.

The learning community will meet monthly for three sessions beginning in December 2025 via Zoom. Each session will feature an expert presentation with engaging group discussion incorporated throughout. 

Facilitated and funded by SAMHSA and the SMVF TA Center