April 9, 1997 Contact John R. Crosiar (541) 346-3135 EUGENE--Suicide prevention and the impact of divorce on kids are the focus of conferences organized by the University of Oregon Substance Abuse Prevention Program during April and May at the Lane County Fairgrounds, 796 W. 13th Ave. "Suicide Prevention" is set from 8 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, in Performance Hall. The conference will look at issues in suicide prevention from a national perspective to a personal level. Keynote speaker is Allen Burman, executive director of the American Association of Suicidology in Washington, D.C. He will speak on "Suicide: A National Perspective," "Suicide: Understanding Facts and Myths," "Youth in Peril: An Overview of Teen Suicide" and "Youth in Peril: Recognition and Prevention." Other presenters will include: * Mike Morris, a licensed professional counselor and director of community services at Pacific Gateway Hospital in Portland, who will discuss "Recognizing the Signs: Risk and Assessment." * Paul Cody of the University of New Hampshire Counseling Center who will speak about "Suicide and Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth." * Jerry Vergamini, a consulting psychiatrist at the UO Student Health Center, who will talk about "Healing from the Trauma of Depression." * Nancy Taylor Kemp, a UO Counseling Center psychologist, who will examine "Suicide on Campus: Survival Tools for Self and Friends." The second conference, "Kids of Divorce," is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, in the Wheeler Pavilion at the fairgrounds. It will focus on understanding the special needs of children of divorce and assisting children and families of divorce. Among the featured speakers will be psychologist Ken Magid, author of "High Risk Children Without a Conscience," "The Advice Book," "Kids' Stepfamily Kit" and "Kids Divorce Kit." Judy Vergamini of Eugene, a nationally certified counselor, licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist and educator, will focus on the effects of divorce on families, particularly on children. Other conference topics will include the impact of marital conflict on children, how to help parents during times of high distress and how to help children before, during and after family changes. New and innovative programs concerning custody also will be covered. Both UO conferences offer two units of college credit for graduate and undergraduate students. Community professionals and others also are welcome. Registration for each conference is $80. Community members may enroll for $40 per day. Early registration is encouraged. For information, call Miki Mace, UO Substance Abuse Prevention Program coordinator, (541) 346-3397. -30- #P-2189/L/no