Garrett Lee Smith Grant News
grant currently being implemented in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties in Pennsylvania
Colleges Report Increase in Depression Among Students
According to recent national surveys, more college students than ever before are seeking psychiatric help. Read or listen to the story (from National Public Radio on October 19, 2009) and learn more about the Healthy Minds Study.
Third Annual Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Conference
The theme of the Third Annual Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Conference, held September 15-16, 2009 in State College, was "Creating Healthy Communities." Approximately 200 people attended the conference which featured presentations addressing suicide prevention issues for youth, adults and older adults. HIghlights of the conference included a panel of survivors of suicide sharing in a general session, a meeting focusing on the work of several county suicide prevention task forces, and a webinar on "Pharmacological Management of Adolescent Depression in Primary Care," presented by Dr. David Brent, child psychiatrist from the STAR-Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh. The webcast from this presentation is also available. Additional selected handouts from the conference are available.
American Association of Suicidology Issues Reviews of Suicide Prevention Videos
In response to requests for recommendations for appropriate suicide prevention videos for different audiences. Check out the list of "recommended," "recommendations with minor reservation," and "not recommended."
SAMHSA Newsletter Focuses on Suicide Prevention
The May/June 2009 edition of SAMHSA News, the newsletter of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, focuses on suicide prevention, and specifically features information on college campus suicide prevention initiatives. Read the newsletter online or download and print a PDF file.
Studies Highlight Importance of Attention to Mental Health Concerns in Childhood and Adolescence
Findings from a study in Finland show that childhood mental health problems in boys may predict later suicide attempts. The findings suggest that early detection if combined with effective intervention could substantially reduce later suicidal behavior in boys. Summary of study.
A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals that two million American teenagers experience major depression each year but fewer than 40% receive treatment. Nearly half of the teenagers who experienced a major depressive episode also reported severe impairment at home, school or work. Major Depressive Episode and Treatment Among Adolescents.
New Report Highlights Women's Mental Health Concerns
Action Steps for Improving Women's Mental Health, a new report from the Office of Women's Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlights mental health issues specific to women. The report calls for increased understanding of the role of gender in mental illness, and for improvements in the way mental illness is diagnoses and treated in women. Among the concerns discussed are higher rates of major depression, anxiety disorders, and attempted suicide among women compared to men. A companion booklet, written for consumers, is also available: Women's Mental Health: What It Means to You
Pharmacological Management of Adolescent Depression in Primary Care, by Dr. David Brent; available from the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.ONQ Close-Up: Teen Suicide
WQED, Pittsburgh, PA
Special edition of ON-Q focusing on teen suicide prevention, research, support and outreach. Highlighting the program will be a new documentary, "Losing Lambert: A Journey Through Survival and Hope," which tells the story of a mother's road to recovery after her son's suicide in 1995. First aired on television on October 22, 2009 but now available by online video.
43rd American Association of Suicidology Conference
"Families, Community Systems and Suicide"
April 21-24, 2010
Hilton Walt Disney World
Orlando, FL
More information.
Call for Presentations
Bridging the Divide: Suicide Awareness and Prevention Summit
May 21, 2010
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Breakout sessions will include presentations targeted towards a specific age group, differing disciplines and professions addressing suicide issues, and ethnic, gender, military, sexual orientation and geographical differences. Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2010. For more information, contact Sally@carsonjspencer.org
Out of the Darkness Community Walks benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). By participating, you will be walking with thousands of people nationwide to raise money for AFSP's vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives, increase national awareness about depression and suicide, and assist survivors of suicide loss.
The Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Initiative is a Public/Private Ongoing Collaborative including: Survivors of Suicide, Statewide & Regional Representatives from Departments of Public Welfare, Health, Education, and Aging, Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission, County MH/MR Administrators Association and several county programs, County CASSP Coordinators, American Trauma Society, The STAR Center, PA Child Death Review Team, PA Protection and Advocacy, PA Psychiatric Society, PA Association of School Social Workers, NAMI of PA, Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Mental Health Association of PA, PIN of PA, PA Del Val NAPNAP, a County Medical Examiner, a City Health Bureau, a State University, a Behavioral Health MCO, Common Roads, Juvenile Detention Center Association of PA, Pennsylvania Community Providers Association, Pennsylvania Council on Children, Youth, and Family Services, Providers and Student Assistance Program Trainers, School Districts, Yellow Ribbon Chapters, Feeling Blue Suicide Prevention Council, multiple county task forces and other grassroots organizations.
