Tennessee Tech hosting a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop this week to increase the capacity of Upper Cumberland community members to recognize and respond to individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide. “Really the goal and it is to increase the capacity in the Upper Cumberland for individuals that serve different groups of people different populations to be able to respond in a supportive way.” Byrd said the training allows individuals who work with the public to normalize the conversation and navigate the topic with confidence. Byrd said Tennessee Tech and the Center for Rural Innovation partnered with Empower Upper Cumberland to offer the training because community prosperity is connected to mental health. “There are now four new certified trainers that can provide ASIST training,” Byrd said.