Hosted by Healthy Campus Alberta and University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing
October 28, 2026 / 10:00 am - 11:00 am MST
Suicide remains a major public health issue in Canada, with post-secondary students experiencing heightened vulnerability to mental health crises. Education is recognized as a best practice for suicide prevention, with Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) considered the gold standard. ASIST was introduced within the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing to examine the program feasibility and its impact on students, staff, and faculty. This webinar will provide an overview of the research project implementation, workshop delivery, and results from the ASIST in the Faculty of Nursing pilot project.
Speakers
Dr. Jacqueline Smith
Dr. Jacqueline Smith is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary and a counselling therapist at the Nurse Practitioner–led Mental Health & Wellness Clinic. She is an educator, graduate supervisor, and published researcher whose work focuses on addiction, trauma, and mental health across the lifespan. Dr. Smith currently leads the ASIST in the Faculty of Nursing pilot project and a six-year multidisciplinary study (EMBER) examining barriers to mental health care in emergency departments. In addition to her academic role, she practices as a trauma therapist with advanced training in EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), clinical counselling hypnotherapy, and somatic psychotherapy. 
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith is a research associate and project manager in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary. She coordinates the ASIST in the Faculty of Nursing pilot project, examining the impact and feasibility of the training. She also manages additional research projects related to mental-illness, substance use, and stigma. In addition to her research role, she is a Registered Psychologist and ASIST trainer. 
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