SAMHSA’s Military Families Strategic Initiative Service Systems Development Program is hosting a webinar to increase understanding of how data can be used to strengthen behavioral health systems for service members, veterans and their families (SMVF). Key topics include: familiarizing local and state planners with service member and veteran-related data sources; and increasing awareness and understanding of recent SMVF research trends in behavioral health indicators, treatment rates for PTSD, homelessness, unemployment, and suicide rates.
The Weekly Spark: Friday, March 23, 2012
Announcements
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SAMHSA presents webinar, Using Data Resources to Strengthen Behavioral Health Systems for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, Thursday, March 29, 2012, 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
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SPRC hosts Research to Practice Webinar, Saving Our Youth: How One Native Community Reduced Teen Suicide, Thursday, March 29, 2012, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET
This webinar will provide an overview of the adolescent suicide prevention program developed by a Native community in New Mexico. The program showed significant, sustained reduction in youth suicide gestures and attempts over 13 years. Presenters will describe three critical aspects of the program that could be replicated in other settings: addressing suicide as part of a system of care which encompasses other behavioral health services, active involvement from key constituents to ensure cultural appropriateness, and flexibility to adapt based on ongoing evaluation and feedback.
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National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) presents webinar on Military Suicide Research Consortium’s work, Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 1:00 p.m. ET.
Overview of the Military Suicide Research Consortium’s Efforts to Improve Assessment and Treatment of At-Risk Personnel and Veterans is part of National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)’s Military and Civilian Partnerships series. The webinar will discuss the Military Suicide Research Consortium, describe the application of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide as it applies to members of the military, and present recommendations on screening and assessment from the Army's suicide workgroup.
Overview of the Military Suicide Research Consortium’s Efforts to Improve Assessment and Treatment of At-Risk Personnel and Veteransis part of National Child Traumatic Stress Network(NCTSN)’s Military and Civilian Partnerships series. The webinar will discuss the Military Suicide Research Consortium, describe the application of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide as it applies to members of the military, and present recommendations on screening and assessment from the Army's suicide workgroup.
News
National News
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Classes teach 'first aid' for mental health crises
Since 2008, 50,000 people in 47 states have taken the Mental Health First Aid course offered by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. This article tells more about the program, which teaches students to respond to those in mental health crisis by assessing for risk of suicide, listening non-judgmentally, giving reassurance and information, encouraging self-care, and recommending professional help when appropriate.
Mar 12, 2012Learn more about Mental Health First Aid
State News
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Suicide prevention line reaches out to California seniors
http://www.healthycal.org/archives/7698
The California Institute on Aging’s Friendship Line, a suicide prevention and mental health hotline specifically for seniors, provides ongoing support for elders facing anxiety, depression or other issues. Last year, the Friendship Line made 40,000 outgoing calls to offer emotional support, to remind elders to take their medication, or to connect them with services. (The line also received 18,000 incoming calls). Patrick Abore, who started the Friendship Line in 1973, would like to reach more older men with the service. “Older men feel a lot of shame and embarrassment when they need help,” said Arbore. “We have to teach men how to connect in an emotional way and get them to talk about it.” Arbore has recently received funding from the California Mental Health Services Authority to expand the Friendship Line’s visibility throughout the state.
Mar 18, 2012Learn more about the Friendship Line, which is part of the Institute on Aging’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention (CESP)
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North Dakota launches suicide prevention website
The North Dakota Department of Health has launched a new website focused on suicide prevention. It will include statewide events and resources as well as community events. Current facts and statistics about suicide in North Dakota, as well as information about the warning signs of suicide, are also included. “Suicide is a difficult topic to talk about in general, but if people don’t know where to find factual information most people will shy away from talking about it,” said Micki Savelkoul, Suicide Prevention Program director with the North Dakota Department of Health. The website contains information intended for the general public as well as resources specifically aimed at first responders, healthcare professionals, and other groups who may work with people who are suicidal.
Mar 19, 2012Check out the new website from the North Dakota Department of Health
International News
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Telstra will stop billing young people up to $100 to use Kids Helpline
AustraliaLast year, 70 percent of the 99,133 calls made to the toll-free Kids Helpline counseling service were placed from mobile phones – at an average cost of $30 per call. BoysTown, which runs the service, has been working with the three major cellular carriers in Australia to have cell phone charges waived for calls to the line, which serves young people ages 5 to 25. Telstra has drafted a new system in which 24-hour national helpline services (such as Kids Helpline) can apply to have user fees for waived. “There are young people in crisis in our suburbs and communities whose lives are saved every day when they can reach out for help on their mobiles,” said New South Wales Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello, who brought the issue to the attention of the Federal Communications Minister. “It’s great if they can do so without cost for the most important phone call they may ever make.”
Mar 18, 2012Learn more about Kids Helpline
Funding
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Crisis Center Excellence Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize one center either for outstanding service in the face of extraordinary circumstances, or for service to their community through an innovative and creative program. A plaque and $500 check will be presented to the recipient at the AAS annual conference.
Deadline: April 1, 2012
Eligible Applicants: Crisis centers with AAS or certificationFunding Agency/Department: American Association of Suicidology (AAS)Funding Amount: $500Crisis Center Excellence Award
Show DetailsThe purpose of this award is to recognize one center either for outstanding service in the face of extraordinary circumstances, or for service to their community through an innovative and creative program. A plaque and $500 check will be presented to the recipient at the AAS annual conference.
Deadline: April 1, 2012
Eligible Applicants: Crisis centers with AAS or certification
Funding Agency/Department: American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
Funding Amount: $500
Crisis Center Excellence Award
The SPRC is supported by a grant (1 U79 SM059945) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). No official endorsement by SAMHSA or DHHS for the information on this web site is intended or should be inferred.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is a project in EDC's Health and Human Development Division
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