Tulane DSW candidate to present at international conference

In a testament to the power of interdisciplinary scholarship and compassionate advocacy, RoseAnne Droesch, a Tulane University Doctor of Social Work (DSW) candidate, has been invited to present a poster at the prestigious International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) Asia Pacific Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. The poster, entitled "Rethinking Suicide Prevention for Racial and Ethnic Minoritized Trauma Survivors: A Population Health Approach," promises to offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Droesch was one of only a few presenters offered the unique opportunity to provide a 5-minute “lightning presentation” to the delegation, which she accepted. 

Droesch co-authored the presentation with Doyanne Darnell, PhD, who works as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington, though Darnell will not attend the conference. Droesch will be accompanied by Tulane Adjunct Professor Shahnaz Savani, PhD, whose research focuses on mental health awareness/education in low and middle-income countries, as well as suicide prevention/intervention in the global south, particularly Central Asia. Dr. Savani’s posters, “Suicide Stigma in Tajikistan” and "’He will never get better!’ Attitudes toward Suicide Treatability in Tajikistan,” were also accepted for presentation at the conference.

Droesch’s research delves deep into the intersectional complexities of suicide prevention, particularly focusing on the experiences of racial and ethnic minority trauma survivors. In a world where mental health disparities persist, her work shines a light on the unique vulnerabilities and resilience factors within communities that have historically been marginalized and underserved. Her research embodies Tulane’s ethos of inclusivity and equity, advocating for approaches that acknowledge the lived realities of individuals from all walks of life.

In a world where mental health disparities persist, Droesch's work shines a light on the unique vulnerabilities and resilience factors within communities that have historically been marginalized and underserved.

The conference, held June 3-6, 2024, serves as a global platform for researchers, practitioners, and advocates from all over the world to come together, share knowledge, and foster collaborations that can save lives. We at the School of Social Work extend our heartfelt congratulations to RoseAnne Droesch and Dr. Shahnaz Savani on this remarkable achievement and commend them for their dedication to advancing the field of suicide prevention in a way that honors the dignity and diversity of every human experience.