At the ASR Suicide & Depression Studies Program, we are passionate about amplifying the voices of people with lived experience and increasing mental health literacy in the community. We host several public events throughout the year, which can be found on our website and social media channels.

Upcoming Events

Social Connection is Medicine: Strategies to Reduce Social Isolation & Loneliness to Prevent Suicide in Later Life

Public Lecture Series: Strategies to Reduce Social Isolation & Loneliness to Prevent Suicide in Later Life

Presented by Dr. Kimberly Van Orden, Ph.D.

📆 Monday March 9, 2026
🕒 12:00pm EST
📍 Zoom – Register Here
👥 Open to all!

Dr. Van Orden is a clinical geropsychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She directs the HOPE Lab (Helping Older People Engage), which studies programs to promote social connection and healthy aging and prevent suicide in later life. She co-directs the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide at URMC, as directs a research fellowship in suicide prevention. She mentors students and fellows and maintains a clinical practice providing evidence-based psychotherapy to older adults.

This lecture examines how social isolation and loneliness increase suicide risk among older adults and highlights social connection as a key protective factor. It reviews practical strategies to reduce isolation and discusses challenges to engaging older adults in these interventions.

Learning Objectives

Describe at least two pathways (or mechanisms) whereby reducing social isolation and loneliness may reduce suicide risk in later life.
Identify at least three promising strategies to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults.
Identify at least two factors that may prevent older adults from engaging in programs to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Register Today: https://ca01web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y7AZalVrRGi4ipnMIt0eqQ#/registration

Upcoming Events

Social Connection is Medicine: Strategies to Reduce Social Isolation & Loneliness to Prevent Suicide in Later Life

Past Events