The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the MacArthur Foundation are collaborating on a $1 million effort targeting the behavioral health needs of youth in contact with the juvenile justice system. Studies have found that 60-70 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system meet the criteria for a mental disorder; over 60 percent of these youth also meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. Youth with these mental, substance use, and co-occurring disorders often end up in the juvenile justice system rather than getting the proper help they need. This initiative will support state efforts to develop and implement policies and programs that divert youth away from the juvenile justice system early. The effort will also emphasize reducing overrepresentation of youth of color with mental and/or substance use disorders in the juvenile justice system, as well as the incorporation of mental, substance use, and co-occurring screening and assessment practices throughout the juvenile justice system through evidence-based practice, treatment, and trauma-informed services.
The Weekly Spark: Thursday, March 29, 2012
Announcements
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SAMHSA and the MacArthur Foundation collaborate to improve juvenile justice system response to youth behavioral health needs
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AFSP offers training programs on suicide bereavement support groups for adults, children and teens
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will offer two-day training programs to help survivors of suicide loss, mental health professionals and others learn the "how-to's" of creating and facilitating suicide bereavement support groups for adults or for children and teens. The in-person trainings will be offered on various dates throughout the country.
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AAS invites participants for study on spiritual/religious experiences among survivors of suicide loss
American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is soliciting survivors of suicide loss to participate in a study on spiritual and religious experiences subsequent to suicide loss. The purpose of this study is to learn about any connections survivors may have felt with their loved one after his or her death, as well as any changes in spiritual or religious beliefs as a result of suicide loss. The study, which is in the form of a survey, should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Research
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Suicide Screening in Emergency Departments
A study by investigators affiliated with the Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-Up Evaluation (ED-SAFE) project found that emergency departments (EDs) are failing to conduct suicide screenings for many patients who exhibit characteristics associated with a high risk of suicide (such as psychiatric complaints or a history of substance abuse). The research also revealed that many patients who screen positive for suicidal ideation or behavior are not provided with appropriate follow-up care.
Analysis of the records of 800 patients who presented in EDs of eight participating hospitals revealed that while “the presence of known psychiatric problems and substance use had the strongest associations with suicide screening, even patients presenting with these indicators were not screened for suicide.” Only 39 (5 percent) of these 800 patients were screened for suicide risk. The authors of an article reporting these findings expressed disappointment about the lack of appropriate screening as well as the inadequate response to the 23 patients who screened positive for suicidal behavior or ideation. Only 36 percent of these patients were evaluated by a mental health professional. Eight percent were given a formal safety plan, 23 percent were admitted to a medical ward for observation, and 5 percent were admitted to a psychiatric ward. Yet 90 percent of the 23 patients who screened positive for suicidal behavior or ideation had presented at the ED because of psychiatric complaints (including depression). Eight percent had gone to the ED because of self-harm. One-third of these patients admitted abusing alcohol or drugs, both of which are risk factors for suicide.
The authors suggest that their research confirms the “need for improved suicide screening practices to ensure appropriate treatment for those at risk for suicide” as recommended by National Patient Safety Goal 15A (Patient Suicide) of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
Resource Note
For more information on National Patient Safety Goal 15A (Patient Suicide) see A Resource Guide for Implementing the Joint Commission 2007 Patient Safety Goals on Suicide
News
National News
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Army reviewing traumatic stress diagnostic practices
The Army surgeon general has initiated a review to make sure that all Army psychiatrists follow standardized diagnostic procedures for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review comes in response to concerns that Army mental healthcare facilities may be engaging in the “unacceptable” practice of considering treatment costs in making evaluations, according to Army Secretary John McHugh. Practices at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Washington State, where hundreds of service members diagnosed with PTSD have had their diagnoses changed or overturned, are of particular concern. According to an Army study, as many as 20 percent of U.S. troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan could suffer from PTSD, with costs of care that could range between $4 billion and $6.2 billion.
Mar 22, 2012Read more about the Invisible Wounds of War study, which looked at the post-deployment health-related needs and costs associated with PTSD
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Survey gives glimpse into minds of recent veterans
Suicide is one of the top concerns named by veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, according to the latest annual survey of members of the group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Employment, mental health, disability benefits, health care, education, and families were also cited as top concerns by the 4,200 veterans who responded to the survey. Thirty-seven percent of respondents said they knew someone they served with or another Iraq or Afghanistan veteran who had died by suicide. Two-thirds said they thought troops and veterans are not getting the mental health care they need for issues like combat-related stress and military sexual trauma. About three-quarters said that it was important for counselors to understand military life and culture. Nearly two-thirds of those who were married or in a long-term relationship during a deployment said the deployment caused strain in their relationship.
Mar 26, 2012
State News
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Retired police offer advice and support to stressed officers
This article describes the experiences of police officers in Lakewood Police Department who received counseling from Cop2Cop, a crisis intervention and suicide prevention program. Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson mandated the group counseling for the entire department after a Lakewood police officer was shot and killed while on routine patrol. “They made us feel more comfortable because they are cops,” said Gary Przewoznik, president of Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 71. “…It was good to be able to vent and talk about how you felt with your peers, and see that everybody felt the same way.” Cop2Cop also operates a 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline for law enforcement officers. The crisis line is staffed by retired officers who are licensed clinical social workers, mental health professionals who have received special training, and retired law enforcement volunteers trained to work as peer supporters.
Mar 26, 2012Learn more about Cop2Cop, which has served as a model for other crisis hotlines in New Jersey and nationally
International News
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Greens to press for twice-yearly publication of suicide statistics
AustraliaLeading mental health experts in Australia are calling for more data on suicide to be made publicly available. A proposal by the Australian Greens political party would result in the publication of suicide statistics twice yearly and the establishment of a target for the reduction of suicide. “There are sensitivities in discussing suicide publicly, such as the need to avoid details about locations and methods, but we must not be so scared as to avoid public discussion of the matter altogether, which only adds to the stigma and does not help to address suicide risks,” said Greens health spokeswoman Amanda Bresnan.
Mar 28, 2012Read more about Australia’s national suicide prevention strategy
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