Trigger warning: This event discussed topics that may be triggering to some people, including mental health crisis and suicide. 

Event Description

There is a high prevalence of suicide in health care workers and in people with disabilities when compared to the general population. This presentation will review the prevalence and warning signs of suicide and we will review best practices for talking to someone you are concerned may be at risk. We will go over interventions and strategies that have been helpful and will review resources for immediate and ongoing help. We will conclude with a large group discussion to debrief the information and share our own experiences, concerns and questions.

 

Meeting Agenda

Introduction: 15 minutes
Presentation: 30 minutes
Large group discussion and Q and A: 45 minutes

 

Speakers

Erin Jarrell

Dr. Jarrell has always seen her lifelong legal blindness and extensive patient experience as strengths in becoming a physician. While some mentors supported this perspective, others had concerns. She joined DM3P to share her knowledge with others who have similar strengths in medicine. She believes healthcare providers with personal experience of disability bring unique skills to patient care. By supporting disabled trainees and providers, DM3P improves healthcare quality and fosters safer, more flexible workplaces. Legally blind since birth, Dr. Jarrell underwent multiple childhood eye surgeries and used accommodations throughout her education, medical training, and career as a practicing family medicine physician. She understands the process of securing accommodations and the realities of living with congenital and progressive disability. Now, with only minimal light perception, she has firsthand experience navigating worsening and newly acquired disabilities. As DM3P Speaker and Member Liaison, Dr. Jarrell welcomes new members, provides mentorship, and connects them through the Internal Communications team. As part of the Executive Leadership team, she helps recruit, schedule, and prepare speakers for monthly mentorship meetings.

 

Zoey Martin-Lockhart

Zoey is a PhD candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her research explores work by disabled medical students and doctors to increase disability inclusivity in medicine across dimensions of representation, educational content, and national and institutional policy. She first came to DM3P early in her dissertation work, where she was encouraged and mentored by the core leadership team to whom she is forever thankful. She became a committed member and part of the leadership team. Zoey collaborates with other members of the DM3P leadership and organizing team to support and grow the organization and to produce DM3P’s monthly events. She also assists the DM3P team with content and strategy for both internal communications and social media.