Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC): This Month Don't Miss

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This Month Don't Miss

November

Call for papers: Injury Prevention to produce supplement issue Suicide among Veterans of Military Service
The journal Injury Prevention is planning a supplement featuring papers that examine methods for identifying, assessing, and preventing suicide among veterans of military service. Evaluations of suicide prevention strategies and applications across sources of care are of particular interest. Papers that discuss the difficulties of identifying and engaging veterans at risk for suicide and offer potential solutions to these challenges are encouraged. Injury Prevention is an international peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research, opinion, debate and special features on the prevention of unintentional, occupational and intentional (violence-related) injuries. It is the official journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention (ISCAIP) and the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR).

For more information http://submit-ip.bmj.com/
(Nov. 19, 2009)

The Jed Foundation and MTV honor Veterans Day with new online and on-air content focused on student veterans
mtvU and The Jed Foundation's Peabody Award-winning Half of Us campaign honors veterans and active duty servicemen and servicewomen with the premiere of a new series of public service announcements (PSAs) and original programming, designed to highlight and support student veterans navigating the combat-to-college transition. The PSAs will air on MTV, MTV2 and mtvU along with a short film, Today's Student Vets: From War to College. This feature follows three young veterans as they make the challenging transition back into college life, delving into the emotional struggles they face and how civilian students can play a role in helping them adjust back into civilian life. In addition to an ongoing rotation on mtvU, these public service announcements will be featured on MTV and MTV2 the week of Veterans Day including airings during “Return to Duty,” which premiered on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

For more information http://www.halfofus.com/veterans/
(Nov. 12, 2009)

Call for Presentations – Bridging the Divide: Suicide Awareness and Prevention Summit, May 21, 2010 at Colorado State University
Breakout sessions will include: Developmental Focus – presentations targeted towards a specific age group; Role Focus – presentations targeting differing disciplines and professions addressing suicide issues; and Cultural Competence Focus – presentations focusing on ethnic, gender, military, sexual orientation and geographical differences. The program committee strongly suggests that each presentation represent cultural competency. Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2010.

For more information Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org
(Nov. 12, 2009)

SPRC Research to Practice Webinar - Tuesday November 17th from 3:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Peggy West of SPRC will present the Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Rural Primary Care. This Toolkit, a collaborative project of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) and the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education (WICHE), Mental Health Program contains the information and tools needed to implement state-of-the-art suicide prevention practices in primary care settings. Although the tools are designed with the rural practice in mind, most are quite suitable for use in non-rural settings as well. The Toolkit includes sections on educating clinicians and office staff and developing mental health partnerships, as well as patient management tools and patient education tools.

For more information http://www.surveymonkey.com/R2P-PCToolkit-Registration
(Nov. 5, 2009)

The Joint Commission and Joint Commission Resources (JCR) Annual Behavioral Health Conference – November 17-18, 2009 in Chicago, IL
Health care reform is at the forefront of the national health care agenda, and the model of care for the 21st century is not yet certain. The JCR will provide participants with in-depth information on the current state of behavioral health care services during the sixth Annual Behavioral Health Care Conference, “Hope in Uncertain Times.” The conference is intended to provide a diverse but focused forum of topics to help behavioral health providers improve the health and welfare of their clients.

For more information http://www.jcrinc.com/Conferences-and-Seminars/Annual-Behavioral-Health-Care-Conference/1523/
(Nov. 5, 2009)

October

AFSP: Annual National Survivors of Suicide Day is Saturday, November 21, 2009
Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) sponsors an event to provide an opportunity for the survivor community to come together for support, healing, and information. Simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the U.S. and internationally. For those who don't live near a conference site or find it difficult to attend in person, the 90-minute broadcast will also be available live on the AFSP website from 1-2:30 pm, Eastern Standard Time, with a live online chat immediately following the program.

For more information http://www.afsp.org/survivorday
(Oct. 29, 2009)

SPRC/AFSP add Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment: A Treatment Improvement Protocol to the Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention (BPR)
SPRC and AFSP recently added SAMHSA’s Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment: A Treatment Improvement Protocol to Section II of the Best Practices Registry (BPR). The protocol is designed to assist substance abuse counselors in working with adult clients who may be suicidal. Programs listed in Section II of the BPR have been reviewed for importance, likelihood of meeting objectives, accuracy, safety, congruence with prevailing knowledge, and appropriateness of development process.

For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/PDF/AddressingSuicidalThoughtsBehaviorsSubstanceAbuseTreatment.pdf
(Oct. 22, 2009)

Join SAMHSA in the fight to end mental illness stigma
SAMHSA has launched the BringChange2Mind campaign to help combat stigma associated with mental illness. The campaign’s website is now live! In addition to SAMHSA, the campaign has the support of major mental health organizations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO), the Jed Foundation, Mental Health America (MHA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and others.

For more information http://www.bringchange2mind.org
(Oct. 22, 2009)

SAMHSA to recognize Hollywood and mental health consumer advocate contributions that promote understanding and support for individuals with mental health issues
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a sponsor of the 2009 Voice Awards on Wednesday, October 14, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The Voice Awards showcase the stories and achievements of mental health consumer leaders who are working to promote social inclusion of individuals with mental health issues, as well as offer hope for the real possibility of recovery. SAMHSA will bestow Leadership Awards on five mental health advocates and community leaders, including: Mark Davis, Philadelphia; John Kevin Hines, San Francisco; and Ann Kirkwood, Boise. Former U.S. Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon and Mrs. Sharon Smith, whose 21-year-old son Garrett died by suicide, will receive SAMHSA’s Spotlight Award for heightening awareness about the prevention of suicide.

For more information http://whatadifference.samhsa.gov/voiceawards/
(Oct. 15, 2009)

FCC grants SAMHSA request to reassign toll-free numbers used as suicide prevention hotlines
The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) has granted the request of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to reassign permanently three toll-free numbers used as suicide prevention hotlines to SAMHSA. The numbers are 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), 1-888-SUICIDE (1-888-784-2433), and 1-877-SUICIDA (1-877-784-2432).

For more information http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-09-91A1.pdf
(Oct. 15, 2009)

SPRC announces a new Web-based resource for universities and colleges
SPRC’s new Colleges & Universities webpages were created to support campuses in beginning, improving, and sustaining a public health effort to prevent suicide and promote mental health on campuses. The new pages feature sections on campus data and developing a campus program, and include information on: the use of a comprehensive, multi-strategy approach; engagement of a mental health planning task force; data-driven strategic planning; selection of “best practice” programs; and evaluation of program results. Users also can access helpful resources and research findings related to campus mental health promotion and suicide prevention. Click on “Colleges & Universities” in the left-hand navigation bar
(Oct. 8, 2009)

SAMHSA awards $30.9 million to community treatment and service centers helping children suffering from traumatic stress
Approximately $30.9 million in total funding over the next three years will be provided through the Community Treatment and Services Centers (one of the three types of centers that make up the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative). The overall goal of the initiative is to help communities meet the special needs of children at risk for mental health problems or suffering from traumatic stress. Twenty-six community programs from around the country have been selected to receive the grants.

For more information http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0910024058.aspx
(Oct. 8, 2009)

SAMHSA awards more than $1.2 million for statewide family network grants
SAMHSA has announced the award of six grants totaling approximately $1.2 million over three years to state-based organizations focused on improving programs serving children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances.

For more information http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0910021754.aspx
(Oct. 8, 2009)

September

SAMHSA awards $6.3 million to help colleges and universities prevent suicide
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced the award of 22 grants totaling over $6.3 million over three years to assist colleges and universities in their efforts to facilitate a comprehensive approach to preventing suicide. The Campus Suicide Prevention Grants Program supports colleges and universities in their efforts to prevent suicide and enhance mental health services for students in crisis.

For more information http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/090924college5532.aspx
(Sep. 29, 2009)

SPRC Primary Care Provider Customized Information Page updated
SPRC is pleased to announce an updated Primary Care Provider Customized Information Page. This resource offers primary care providers an overview of the roles they can take to prevent suicide attempts. A new comprehensive toolkit for primary care practices is also available. SPRC’s Customized Information Pages were created to help people recognize and respond to individuals who may be at risk for suicide. Each page is designed for persons in a particular social role (such as parent or friend) or occupation (such as primary care provider or teacher) and includes information on the most likely suicide risk scenarios they may face in this role or occupation.

For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/customized/primarycareproviders.asp
(Sep. 23, 2009)

SAMHSA Awards Up to $26.2 Million to State and Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention Programs Across the Country
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the award of 18 grants totaling over $26 million over three years to support suicide prevention efforts undertaken by state and tribal youth suicide prevention programs.The grants will help fund crucial suicide prevention efforts especially geared for youth including early intervention and assessment services, referrals to mental health care and treatment, and information and outreach campaigns. Grant recipients are: Texas, West Virginia, Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Johns Hopkins University Center for American Indian Health, Montana/Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council, District of Columbia, Wyoming, Arizona, Idaho, South Dakota, Nebraska, Louisiana, Michigan, NAMI New Hampshire, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada and the Southcentral Foundation of Anchorage, Alaska.

For more information http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0909222116.aspx
(Sep. 22, 2009)

Call for abstracts - 2010 AAS Annual Conference
The American Association of Suicidology is accepting abstracts for the AAS Annual Conference in Orlando, April 21-24, 2010. The theme of the conference is "Families, Community Systems and Suicide." All proposals must be submitted online prior to midnight EST on September 30, 2009.

For more information http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/education-and-training/annual-conference
(Sep. 18, 2009)

David A. Jobes, Ph.D., to host upcoming webinar on myths and facts of youth suicide
Scheduled for 1:30-2:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Tuesday, Sept. 22, this webinar will feature online chat with Dr. Jobes and the co-author of the book Adolescent Suicide: Assessment and Intervention. This webinar is sponsored by the Wyoming Dept. of Health under its Well Aware Wyoming program; Well Aware is a program of the PDV Foundation. Recommended attendees include school administrators, community youth services providers, student services personnel, school board members, education policymakers, community prevention coalition members, law enforcement officers, juvenile justice professionals, and others working with youth.

For more information https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/266096723
(Sep. 10, 2009)

Choosing videos on suicide prevention for use with youth
The AAS Prevention Division Video Review Committee independently reviews and collectively evaluates videos related to suicide prevention that are promoted for use with middle, high school or college-aged youth. The committee believes that any educational video needs to follow best practice guidelines for safe and effective messaging. These guidelines, along with reviews of educational videos, are posted on the AAS website. Also available on the AAS site is the committee’s new brochure, “Guidelines for Selecting a Video on Youth Suicide Prevention.” These guidelines will be useful for crisis centers and community suicide prevention advocates, as well as individuals and producers planning to create films, especially prior to script development. State planners may distribute copies of the brochure at onferences and promote the guidelines with school administrators.

For more information http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/stats-and-tools/videos
(Sep. 10, 2009)

Lifeline video featuring Terry Wise wins Gold Prize in the National Health Information Awards
Selected from more than 1,000 entries, the video features the story of Terry Wise, survivor of a near-fatal suicide attempt and now an international public speaker and acclaimed author on suicide prevention. The Terry Wise Story: A Suicide Attempt Survivor is available on the Lifeline’s website.

For more information http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
(Sep. 10, 2009)

Learn How to Facilitate a Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group
Sioux Falls, SD - September 25-26, 2009.
(Registration Deadline: Sept. 9)
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers a nationwide training program to help survivors of suicide loss learn the "how-to's" of creating and facilitating a support group. This two-day program is offered several times a year in cities across the nation and combines lecture, interactive discussion and role-playing with feedback. It's appropriate both for survivors who would like to start a new group, as well as those who currently facilitate a group and would like to increase their knowledge and skills. Mental health professionals are also welcome.

For more information http://www.afsp.org/facilitatortraining
(Sep. 3, 2009)

SPRC/AFSP adds Sources of Strength program to Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention (BPR)
SPRC and AFSP recently added Sources of Strength program to the BPR. Sources of Strength, is a strength-based educational program that has been widedly used in tribal and rural areas of North Dakota, was added to Section III. Programs listed in Section III of the BPR address specific objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and were reviewed for accuracy, safety, likelihood of meeting objectives, and adherence to prevention program guidelines. For more information:

For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/standards.asp
(Sep. 3, 2009)

35th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week
National Suicide Prevention Week is observed September 6th through September 12th, surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. Sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology, the purpose of National Suicide Prevention Week is to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented.

For more information http://www.suicidology.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=231&name=DLFE-169.pdf
(Sep. 3, 2009)

The SPRC is supported by a grant (1 U79 SM57392-05) 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 within EDC's (HHD)
55 Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02458 877-GET-SPRC (438-7772),

Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)