Riverside County hosts suicide prevention conference focused on postvention support

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - A suicide prevention conference in Palm Springs Thursday turned its focus toward a powerful yet often overlooked part of suicide response: post-vention — the essential support offered to those left behind after a suicide loss.

Hosted by Riverside County, the event brought together mental health professionals, first responders, educators, and community leaders to discuss how communities can better support survivors of suicide loss and reduce the ripple effects of trauma.

One of those sharing her story was Stacie Dorado, who lost her father to suicide in 2022.

“Helping others has helped me heal tremendously... It’s also a big part of my journey to get up here and show the courage and speak — but to also spread hope and show others that you can continue on, life does move forward.”

Stacie Dorado, Suicide Loss Support Group Facilitator

Diana Gutierrez with the Riverside University Health System says the pain from suicide doesn’t end with one life lost — it multiplies.

“When we have individuals dying by suicide to that number, the amount of people impacted by that loss is exponential. And we know that they’re at increased risk of suicide themselves.”

Diana Gutierrez, RUHS Prevention & Early Intervention Manager

According to RUHS data, Riverside County reported 266 suicides in 2024. But the effects of those losses reach far beyond the individuals themselves — touching families, friends, coworkers, and communities.

The conference emphasized peer support as one of the most powerful tools available for helping survivors heal. Many presenters, like Dorado, have lived through loss and now serve others walking the same painful path.

For Dorado, the message is simple but vital:

“Don’t give up… You will have those hard days and there’s no doubt about that, but the next day can be completely different. As long as you keep pushing through, you’re going to make it. And there’s so much support out there — so reach out.”

Stacie Dorado, Suicide Loss Support Group Facilitator

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.