National Association of Retrospective Fatality Analysts
Putting Suicide Loss Survivors First. Supporting Coroners, Clinicians, and Communities.
From Clues to Context: Investigation Methods, Digital Evidence, and the Role of RFA
This webinar explores how medicolegal investigators gather information in deaths where suicide may be a consideration, and how social media and other digital sources can add context alongside traditional investigative methods. Featuring Brett Harding, 2024 IACME Medicolegal Death Investigator of the Year, Chief Deputy Coroner, and co-author of the Retrospective Fatality Analysis (RFA) protocol, the session includes the role RFA can play in organizing and documenting findings in a consistent way.
Advancing Fatality Review: Applying Retrospective Fatality Analysis in Community Systems
Fatality review committees play an increasingly important role in suicide prevention, yet many struggle to obtain enough information to make targeted, actionable recommendations. This webinar explores how Retrospective Fatality Analysis (RFA) can strengthen committee work by improving the quality of information used in reviews and translating findings into clear, practical recommendations. Featuring Michael J. Staley, PhD, Suicide Prevention Research Coordinator at the Utah DHHS Office of the Medical Examiner, the session is designed primarily for community coalitions, state teams, fatality review committees, and the professionals who contribute to those efforts.
Safe Messaging After Suicide: Media Guidance, Community Dialogue, and Digital Risk
This webinar explores how we communicate about suicide in ways that support safety, dignity, and healing across communities. Featuring Janet Schnell, LCSW, a suicide loss survivor and co-author of the Retrospective Fatality Analysis (RFA) protocol, and Dr. Karla Hunter, Professor of Communication Studies in the School of Communication and Journalism at South Dakota State University, it is designed for coroners and medical examiners, public health professionals, coalition and community leaders, counselors and clinicians, suicide prevention practitioners, and suicide loss survivors who want practical guidance for navigating communication after suicide across public, personal, and online spaces.
From Data to Impact: Suicide Prevention Strategies in Colorado
Seth Tyra
Join us for a webinar with Seth Tyra, Suicide Prevention Commission Coordinator for Colorado’s Office of Suicide Prevention. They will share how statewide prevention efforts are shaped by data and lived experience, including collaboration with Coroners and Medical Examiners on the Suicide Death Investigation Form. Seth’s dedication is deeply personal, honoring the memory of their father, Steve, who died by suicide in 2004.
Postvention as Prevention: Lessons from the Stark County Coroner’s Office
Susan Daniel
Hear from Susan Daniel, one of Ohio’s first suicide investigators, as she shares how Retrospective Fatality Analysis and postvention work in Stark County are helping families heal and communities prevent future suicides.
Caring for the Caregivers: The Story and Mission of the Dr. Mom Foundation
Dr. Seth Snyder
Join us for a talk with Dr. Seth Snyder on the loss of his wife, the Dr. Mom Foundation, and how stories shape prevention and healing.
Living in Stories, Not Statistics: Meaning Making After Suicide Loss
Join us for a powerful webinar on how Retrospective Fatality Analysis (RFA) can support meaning making with suicide loss survivors.