ALABASTER – Bradford Health Services will be hosting its Suicide and Substance Abuse: Risk Factors and Intervention workshop from 9-11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9.

Rachel Lawley with Bradford Health Services said the workshop is open to everyone in Shelby County, and will address the prevalence of suicide in the United States and identify the connections between the two issues.

“Especially at this time of year, after the holidays, it’s important to put a spotlight on the issues of suicide and drug abuse, and how they correlate,” Lawley said. “They go hand in hand, to some extent.”

The workshop will feature Licensed Professional Counselor Zach Ludwig, who serves as the corporate director of clinical programs at Bradford Health Services. Attendees will also hear from Ashley Foster, Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention chapters in Alabama and Mississippi.

So far, Lawley said she expects a high turnout from people of all professional fields in the community, including educators, clergy, law enforcement and healthcare professionals.

“It goes to show how important these issues are in our culture and our communities,” Lawley said.

Lawley said the Suicide and Substance Abuse workshop is one of several that Bradford Health Services will be organizing throughout the year.

“Our goal is to have more ways to reach out to the community,” Lawley said.

The Suicide and Substance Abuse Workshop will be held at the Shelby County Regional Office, which is located at 101 Aviators View Drive, Suite B, in Alabaster. Because seating is limited, Lawley said to make reservations by sending an email to rellison@bradfordhealth.net or calling 7909177.