EIU Media Relations

Eastern Illinois University Counseling Clinic is accepting proposals for breakout sessions for the Annual Bonine Suicide Prevention Conference, which will take place on March 12, 2027 at the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union (MLK Union) at Eastern Illinois University.

 

This year’s keynote presentation, “Hidden Influences: From Death Investigation to Pro-Suicide Forum Awareness,” will be presented by Detective Michelle Kaeding of the University of Illinois Police Department. Drawing on her investigative experience, Detective Kaeding will explore the influence of pro-suicide online forums and their connection to real-world investigations.

 

This conference will bring together professionals, students, and community members from a variety of backgrounds to explore suicide prevention, intervention, awareness, and support. We invite proposals that provide meaningful opportunities for learning, discussion, and collaboration across disciplines.

 

We encourage submissions from individuals with diverse professional and personal experiences, including mental health professionals, public health professionals, emergency personnel, educators, university faculty and staff, students, and community members. Our goal is to provide engaging and accessible programming that is relevant to attendees regardless of their professional role, experience, or population served. Your contributions can help strengthen connections, expand understanding, and support suicide prevention efforts throughout our communities.

 

 

Thank you for your interest in the Annual Bonine Suicide Prevention Conference. We will let you know either way whether your proposal submission is chosen. If your submission is chosen, we will request additional information regarding your presentation. We look forward to reviewing your proposals and bringing together another engaging and meaningful conference at Eastern Illinois University.

 

For questions please contact Jessica Cobert at jacobert@eiu.edu or Emily Becker at embecker@eiu.edu, or call (217) 581-3413.