VitAL Alabama

Community Connections - Wadley, Alabama
2026-09-22 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | AL
Free event – all are welcome! Questions? Email jescrivner@ua.edu

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training
2026-09-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-30 11:00 - 12:00
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is an emergency mental health intervention designed to teach everyday people how to recognize and respond to warning signs of a suicidal crisis, functioning much like CPR does for a physical medical emergency.

After the QPR training, you will be able to:

Recognize the warning signs of suicide

Know how to offer hope

Know how to get help and save a life

Addressing the Problem Before It's a Problem: Proactively Mitigating Behaviors in Autism (Community)
2026-09-24 11:00 - 12:00
Addressing the Problem before it’s a Problem: Proactively Mitigating Behaviors in Autism Spaces will prepare attendees with evidence-based strategies for engaging with challenging behaviors across the autism spectrum. These strategies are designed to proactively support de-escalation, transitions, and other challenges while also strengthening family support, education, and person-centered interventions. The session will also educate participants on Alabama-specific resources for ASD support and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore contributing factors of common behavioral challenges in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

• Identify proactive strategies for de-escalation, transitions, and other behavioral support.

• Discuss interventions, family support and education, and ASD- specific resources available in Alabama.

Understanding and Responding to Youth Suicide Risk: A Mutisystemic Approach
2026-09-24 13:00 - 14:30
Youth suicide is a growing concern, and no single sector can tackle it alone. This webinar brings together educators, healthcare and behavioral health providers, public health professionals, social workers, and community partners to examine risk factors, real-world access barriers, and the role technology plays in youth mental health today. Participants will gain practical, evidence-based strategies for early identification, insights into strengthening cross-system collaboration, and resources for ongoing professional development. The session is designed for professionals working directly with youth as well as those shaping policy and programs behind the scenes.

By participating in this training, you will be able to:

Identify key risk and protective factors associated with suicide among children and adolescents, and describe how these factors interact to influence youth vulnerability and resilience.

Describe evidence-based strategies for early identification, intervention, and prevention that can be applied within school, healthcare, and community settings.

Explain the role of cross-sector collaboration among families, schools, healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, and community partners in building an effective continuum of support for at-risk youth.

Community Connections - Headland, Alabama
2026-09-29 12:00 - 14:00

Hidden Hazards Webinar Series: Understanding Today's Evolving Addictions: Toxicology 102
2026-11-18 14:00 - 15:30
Gas station drugs are a category of substances that are sold legally at gas stations or convenience stores throughout the United States and are typically marketed as legal alternatives to illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or MDMA. However, these substances can be highly dangerous, as their chemical composition and potency can vary greatly. Furthermore, testing for gas station drugs can be challenging due to their varying chemical compositions and the fact that they are often not well understood by users or even some medical professionals. This presentation will discuss the various types of substances available and various testing methods to help identify misuse.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the presence and dangers of ‘gas station’ drugs – the growth and availability of multiple toxic substances without the need for Rx or ID to purchase.

Identify the ability to detect and test for some of these substances.

Describe the characteristics, intended effects, and potential adverse outcomes of common gas station drugs to enhance recognition and assessment of misuse in clinical and community settings.
