Postvention Collective

***CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT***

One of the goals when we created Postvention Collective, LLC's "Connecting a Stronger Chain" event was to create conversations about where things were missing within the work of su***de bereavement.

Sure, we could just have a traditional conference where people come and take notes all day but, that has never been the plan. The plan was to:

➡️ Teach about postvention for those who don't even know what that word means
➡️ Listen to attendees tell about what they wish they had for their work
➡️ To share new and exciting ideas within the field

One of those new and exciting ideas is how brain health affects traumatic bereavement and different ways to measure those effects on the person left behind. That was the reason for introducing Laurie Ellington, MA, LPC, MCC, NBC-HWC, RYT to the community so she could share about neurobiology of traumatic grief.

Today I'm excited to share that we are bringing in Ashley Williams, LCSW, CCTP-II, CBHP with The 22 Project. They are doing remarkable work with veterans to include imaging of the brain when preparing the veteran's treatment plan.

So, how does this tie to su***de bereavement? Well, a high percentage of our veteran population has been exposed to a su***de loss. That trauma gets intermixed by other trauma they have experienced and our veterans become dysfunctional if not suicidal themselves.

Additionally, we have data that shows how those bereaved by su***de are at a 60+% risk of dying by su***de if they don't get adequate support when in the acute phase of their loss. So, our veterans are already at risk due to their work experiences. Then we couple that with their own losses by su***de, and it can be a recipe for disaster.

To have The 22 Project recognizing how a veteran's physical brain looks internally both pre and post treatment is really groundbreaking!

So, we're going to have Ashley present virtually and coincide it with Dr. Thomas Joiner's presentation so they can have a discussion for the audience about acknowledging physical brain health in the midst of traditional psychotherapy.

Personally, I think it is edgy, a much-needed conversation and, what if that type of dialogue is the missing piece we need to have when evaluating why people die by su***de??

Interested? Have you registered yet?

📍 Springfield, MO
📆 August 12 & 13
🖇️ Register here: https://postventioncollective.com/2026-conference

🚨 SWAG ALERT 🚨

Let's be honest... this may be the most effort you'll ever put into earning a T-shirt.

Register for the Pillow K - Zero K by July 10 to guarantee your official swag:

👕 Official Pillow K - Zero K T-Shirt
😴 Official Pillow K - Zero K Sleep Mask infused with lavender
🏅 0.0 Bragging Rights Sticker

Then, on Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 AM, pick up your official Snooze Packet at our Brunch Party at Hold Fast Brewing! Enjoy a delicious brunch from Joe's BBQ, connect with fellow "athletes," and celebrate a great cause.

No running.
No walking.
No pressure.

Just sleeping in, brunch, and supporting mental health together!

💜 Don't Sleep on Your Mental Health.

Register today before the July 10 swag deadline at https://onecau.se/_kv8391!

EDUCATORS: su***de loss doesn’t stay at home. It walks into the building.

It shows up in attendance, behavior, grades, staff burnout -- and students carrying grief with no language for it.

At Postvention Collective, LLC's "Connecting a Stronger Chain" (Aug 12–13 | Springfield, MO), you’ll leave with:

➡️ Practical ways to support grieving students and staff
➡️ Guidance for what to say (and what not to say)
➡️ A framework that helps your team respond consistently

‼️ Register now: https://postventioncollective.com/2026-conference

Teams welcome + invoices available.

MILITARY leaders, chaplains, clinicians, and support teams:

➡️ DoD policy now requires a coordinated, tiered su***de postvention response system after a Service member death by su***de.

Directive-Type Memorandum DTM 25-004 (effective July 24, 2025 through July 24, 2026) outlines a three-tier DoD Su***de Postvention Response System and expectations for command-level response, including mobilizing a su***de response team within 72 hours (when practicable) and maintaining core competencies for response team members.

Postvention Collective, LLC's "Connecting a Stronger Chain" (Aug 12–13 | Springfield, MO) is built to strengthen exactly what this policy is aiming for: prepared people, safer messaging, and a sustained support chain for teammates, leaders, families, and friends.

You’ll leave with:

💥 Practical postvention tools your team can apply immediately
🎉 Language that reduces stigma and supports safe messaging
🎯 A clearer framework for supporting su***de loss survivors over time

➡️ Register now: https://postventioncollective.com/2026-conference

Teams welcome + invoices available for units/organizations.