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This Month Don't Miss

September

• SPRC announces upcoming webinar Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide Among Older Adults Sept. 14, 2010, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET
  Every year, more than 5,000 Americans over the age of 65 die by suicide, a death toll that is largely preventable. Speakers Chris Miara (SPRC), Rosalyn Blogier (SAMHSA) and Yeates Conwell (University of Rochester) will review research associated with suicide among older adults, including risk and protective factors and effective suicide prevention strategies. In addition, this webinar will specifically address the issue of suicide risk and prevention in the context of community programs and residential facilities. It will also share information learned during the development of the new SAMHSA toolkit, Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior Living Communities. Direct registration questions to Tiffany Kim, SPRC Project Coordinator, at 202-572-3717 or tkim@edc.org
  
  For more information https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/212444497
  (Sep. 1, 2010)

• Wyoming Health Department & Well Aware announce Fall 2010 webinar series on Youth Suicide Prevention
  Suicidology experts will present in a series of three national webinars funded in part by the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. All webinars will be held 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET. The webinars include: Schools and Suicide: Latest and Best School-Based Strategies, Sept. 29, with Madelyn S. Gould; Those Left Behind: Helping Students Who Have Lost a Peer to Suicide, Oct. 12, with David A. Brent; and Crisis Response: When a Student Dies by Suicide, Nov. 3, with Scott Poland.
  
  For more information http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/599061/8b162ada3c/287705287/fa6a0d59ea/
  (Sep. 1, 2010)

• Call for abstracts issued for the 2011 Joint Annual Meeting of the Safe States Alliance, SAVIR, and CDC Core I & II State Injury Grantees
  The Safe States Alliance, the Society for the Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR), and the CDC have joined forces to host Progress through Partnerships, their first collaborative conference, in Iowa City, IA from April 6-8, 2011. Presenters are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster sessions related to injury prevention, including suicide, by October 29, 2010. Abstracts reflecting the importance of partnerships between research and practice are of special interest.
  
  For more information http://savir2011.org/abstracts/
  (Sep. 1, 2010)

August

• SAMHSA announces open submissions period for NREPP
  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has announced the 2011 open submissions period for the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP). NREPP is a voluntary rating and classification system designed to provide the public with reliable information on the scientific basis and practicality of interventions that prevent and/or treat mental and substance use disorders. Developers are invited to submit evidence-based programs during the November 1, 2010 - February 1, 2011 submissions period.
  
  For more information http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/
  (Aug. 26, 2010)

• Open position for Training and Technical Associate at SPRC
  SPRC has an immediate opening for a Training and Technical Assistance Associate II. The person filling this position will serve as the lead for one of SPRC’s five goals: focusing on specific high-risk populations. As a goal lead, this person will supervise and coordinate the work of a small team of professionals, administrative, and other staff. The position will be located in Newton, MA or Washington DC.
  
  For more information http://www.candidatemanager.net/cm/Micro/JobDetails.aspx?&mid=YEVYF&sid=UEVD&jid=FCXDBAZU&site=Education
  (Aug. 26, 2010)

• SPRC/AFSP add QPRT Suicide Risk Assessment and Management Training to the Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention (BPR)
  SPRC and AFSP have added the QPRT Suicide Risk Assessment and Management Training Program to Section III of the BPR. QPRT is a set of detection, assessment, and management protocols designed to guide clinical interviews in primary care settings. Programs listed in Section III of the BPR address specific objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and have been reviewed for accuracy, safety, likelihood of meeting objectives, and adherence to prevention program guidelines.
  
  For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/PDF/QPRT.pdf
  (Aug. 26, 2010)

• The Glendon Association presents the webinar, Understanding and Preventing Suicide, Thursday September 9, 2010 2:00-3:00 PM ET
  Suicidologist Lisa Firestone will discuss the warning signs and risk factors for suicide as well as the helper tasks that can save a life. Contact the Glendon Association at www.glendon.org or call 800-663-5281 with questions.
  
  For more information https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/304263433
  (Aug. 18, 2010)

• American Association of Suicidology (AAS) issues call for pre-conference workshop proposals for the 2011 Annual Conference
  Applicants interested in being considered as faculty for the Pre-Conference Workshop Program at the 2011 AAS Annual Conference in Portland, OR are invited to submit proposals for a half- or full-day program. Pre-conference workshops are designed to be significant learning opportunities and in-depth, interactive presentations on topics of interest to a significant community of conference attendees. The deadline for submissions is September 17, 2010.
  
  For more information http://www.suicidology.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=244&name=DLFE-269.pdf
  (Aug. 18, 2010)

• Intercamhs to host School Mental Health Workshop - November 16, 2010, Washington DC
  The International Alliance for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Schools (Intercamhs) will host a workshop on school mental health as a pre-conference event to the Sixth World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders. The workshop, Maximizing School Leader Involvement in School Mental Health and Moving Toward Enhanced Implementation Practice, will explore global approaches to maximizing school leader involvement and enhancing implementation practice in school mental health. For more information:
  
  For more information http://wmhconf2010.hhd.org/register/workshop
  (Aug. 18, 2010)

• SAMHSA National Advisory Council Meeting - August 17-18, 2010, Atlanta, GA or via video stream
  This event will feature remarks from SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde and a panel presentation on health reform and the role of peers and families in behavioral health. It will also include updates on: cultural issues; data, outcomes, and quality; and public awareness and support of SAMHSA’s initiatives. A report from the National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media about the role of media in advancing behavioral health is also on the agenda. Registration deadline is August 13, 2010.
  
  For more information https://nac.samhsa.gov/Registration/meetingsRegistration.aspx
  (Aug. 4, 2010)

• IASP provides resources for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2010
  To support WSPD observances globally, the International Association for Suicide Prevention board has created a brochure, a Suggested World Suicide Prevention Day Activities sheet and other resources. Members of the suicide prevention community are invited to submit their own planned activities to share online. The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (held September 10 of each year) is Many Faces, Many Places: Suicide Prevention across the World.
  
  For more information http://www.iasp.info/wspd/
  (Aug. 4, 2010)

• AAS seeks research suicidologists to serve on Independent Scientific Peer Review Panel (ISPRP)
  This newly formed panel will assess proposed research projects for significance and scientific merit and offer constructive feedback to improve methodology and sound science. The ISPRP is expected to be fully constituted by October 1 and may begin to receive proposals soon thereafter. Reviewers will be paid an honorarium for time served in ISPRP activities equivalent to US government Grade 15, Step 10. Researchers interested in applying for membership on the ISPRP should submit a CV and a cover letter expressing interest to Lanny Berman, Ph.D., ABPP, Executive Director, via email or to American Association of Suicidology, 5221 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20015.
  
  For more information berman@suicidology.org
  (Aug. 4, 2010)

• First Annual Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) Conference - September 1-2, Oklahoma City, OK
  Indian Health Service (IHS) MSPI grantees and communities concerned with addressing methamphetamine use and suicide are invited to attend Communities Working Together to Address Methamphetamine in Indian Country. Participants will learn about MSPI programs, strategies for incorporating culture into local programs and increasing their knowledge of culturally grounded prevention practices that work in Indigenous communities. The deadline for the special room rate of $84 is August 11. Registration is free.
  
  For more information http://www.mspiconference.org/index.cfm
  (Aug. 4, 2010)

• U.S. Army and NIMH launch website on study of mental health issues among Army personnel
  The National Institute of Mental Health and the U.S. Army are partnering to conduct the Army Study To Assess Risk and Resilience in Service Members (Army STARRS), the largest study of mental health risk and resilience factors ever conducted among military personnel. The purpose is to identify factors that protect or pose risks to soldiers’ emotional well-being and overall mental health so the Army can apply the knowledge to its ongoing health promotion, risk reduction, and suicide prevention efforts. The five-year study will run through 2014. Findings will be reported as they become available.
  
  For more information http://www.ArmySTARRS.org
  (Aug. 4, 2010)

July

• SAMHSA and the Ad Council announce the "What a Difference a Friend Makes" Video and Essay Contest
  As part of the “What a Difference a Friend Makes” mental health campaign, young adults 18-25 are invited to submit videos and essays about how they have helped a friend, or been assisted by a friend, through recovery from a mental health problem. The winner of the video contest will receive a trip for two to the 2010 Voice Awards in Hollywood, where the winning video will be shown. Runners-up in the essay and video contest will receive a Flip MinoHD™ video camera. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2010.
  
  For more information http://www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/contest/
  (Jul. 28, 2010)

• SPRC adds the Student Support Network (SSN) program to Section III of the BPR
  The Student Support Network (SSN) was developed by the Worcester Polytechnic Development and Counseling Center. SSN trains selected students to identify, support, and refer peers who may be struggling with significant mental and behavioral health concerns. Core training components include: knowledge of mental and behavioral health issues, as well as campus and community resources; intervention skills, including empathic responding and working with resistance; connecting identified students with a wide range of student helpers; and promoting attitudes that de-stigmatize mental health help-seeking. Programs listed in Section III of the BPR address specific objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and have been reviewed for accuracy, safety, likelihood of meeting objectives, and adherence to prevention program guidelines.
  
  For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/PDF/StudentSupportNetwork.pdf
  (Jul. 28, 2010)

• SPRC adds the Let's Talk Gatekeeper Training program to Section III of the BPR
  The Let's Talk Gatekeeper Training program was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The program provides suicide prevention training to adults who care for children, particularly foster parents. Training content includes: myths and facts about suicide; risk and protective factors for suicide; warning signs of suicide; how to communicate about suicide with at-risk youth; how to restrict means; and how to respond to a suicide crisis. Programs listed in Section III of the BPR address specific objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and have been reviewed for accuracy, safety, likelihood of meeting objectives, and adherence to prevention program guidelines.
  
  For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/PDF/LetsTalkGatekeeperTraining.pdf
  (Jul. 28, 2010)

• 2010 Rural Behavioral Health Symposium, September 21-23, 2010, Glendale, AZ
  This symposium, Practical Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Needs of Children and Families in Rural America, is sponsored by SAMHSA, the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health, and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. The purpose of this two-and-a-half day event is to disseminate information on how to create and sustain services and supports with a focus on building the partnerships necessary for sustainability during these challenging economic times at federal, state and community levels.
  
  For more information http://gucchdtacenter.georgetown.edu/Activities/Rural_BH_Symposium_2010.html
  (Jul. 28, 2010)

• SPRC announces upcoming webinar Partnering for Suicide Prevention in Juvenile Justice Settings - Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 3:30-5:00 p.m. ET
  This webinar will provide an introduction to the components of comprehensive suicide prevention in correctional facilities and will feature the experiences of Nebraska, a state that has implemented these principles. The webinar will also explore the experiences of a D.C. Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grantee, which has conducted outreach to the city’s juvenile justice system as part of its grant activities.
  
  For more information http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/juvenilejusticewebinar
  (Jul. 22, 2010)

• SAMHSA releases Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior Living Communities
  Statistics show that adults age 65 and older have one of the highest suicide rates of any age group in the United States. This new Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration toolkit teaches staff working in senior living communities how to recognize and take steps to help someone at risk for suicide. The ideas presented in this toolkit can help prevent suicides, promote mental health, and create an environment that will enhance the well-being of residents and staff alike.
  
  For more information http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA10-4515/
  (Jul. 22, 2010)

• SAMHSA report indicates one in twelve adolescent drug-related hospital emergency department visits involved a suicide attempt
  According to a study conducted by SAMHSA’s Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), more than one in every twelve (8.8 percent) drug-related hospital emergency department visits made by an adolescent (ages 12 to 17) in 2008 was a suicide attempt. This was double the rate found among cases involving those age 25 and older (4.4 percent). Almost three of every four visits for drug-related suicide attempts among adolescents were made by females. While there was evidence of follow-up care in 77% of these cases, there were significant differences in the level of such care. DAWN is a public health surveillance system that monitors drug-related hospital emergency department visits reported throughout the nation.
  
  For more information http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/DAWN001/SuicideAttemptsHTML.pdf
  (Jul. 22, 2010)

• American Association of Suicidology (AAS) announces call for papers for its 44th annual conference.
  AAS invites submissions for its annual conference to be held April 13-16 in Portland, Oregon. The theme of this year’s conference is “Changing the Legacy of Suicide.” Please note that submissions will only be accepted through the online portal on the AAS website and that registration is required to use the portal. The deadline is September 30, 2010
  
  For more information American Association of Suicidology (AAS) announces call for papers for its 44th annual conference.
  (Jul. 22, 2010)

• SPRC announces upcoming webinar Put Yourself In the Picture – Suicide Prevention, Making a Difference in Public Policy - Thursday, July 22, 2010, 3:00pm-4:30pm ET
  Realistic, thoughtfully selected and carefully directed public policy activity is one way to help prevent suicide. In this SPRC webinar, public policy professionals from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA) will discuss how to: raise awareness about the importance of suicide prevention among citizens and policy makers; participate in development of legislation or regulations on specific issues; and support legislation though the legislative process. Registration deadline is Friday, July 16th.
  
  For more information http://edc.acrobat.com/e28251507/event/event_info.html
  (Jul. 14, 2010)

• SAMHSA and the Ad Council launch national campaigns to raise awareness about mental health problems in multicultural communities
  SAMHSA and the Ad Council announce the launch of national public service advertising campaigns to promote recovery from mental health problems in a culturally relevant way within Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and Chinese American, communities. The new campaigns, launched in conjunction with National Minority Health Month, are designed to educate and inspire young adults to talk openly about mental health issues. A campaign to reach African American young adults was launched earlier this year.
  
  For more information http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/
  (Jul. 14, 2010)

• American Association of Suicidology announces webinar on suicide risk in primary care
  American Association of Suicidology announces webinar on suicide risk in primary care Registration is now open for the webinar Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk in Primary Care. There are four different presentation dates and times to choose from. This 90-minute program, which uses clinical video vignettes, provides the learner with an interactive approach to recognizing the signs of depression and determining suicide risk. This webinar offers 1.5 CME credits.
  
  For more information http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/education-and-train/rrsr-pc-webinar
  (Jul. 14, 2010)

• SPRC/AFSP add Not My Kid: What Parents Should Know About Teen Suicide online video to Section III of the BPR of Suicide Prevention
  Not My Kid is a 17-minute web-based video that features eight parents from culturally diverse backgrounds asking two mental health professionals (Lanny Berman and Maureen Underwood) a variety of common questions about youth suicide. Programs listed in Section III of the BPR address specific objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and have been reviewed for accuracy, safety, likelihood of meeting objectives, and adherence to prevention program guidelines.
  
  For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/PDF/NoMyKid_WhatParentsShouldKnowAboutTeenSuicide.pdf
  (Jul. 8, 2010)

• SPRC/AFSP add CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means to Section III of the BPR
  Developed by Elaine Frank, Program Director for the Injury Prevention Center at the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, CALM is a 1- to 2-hour workshop designed to help providers implement counseling strategies to help clients at risk for suicide and/or their families reduce access to lethal means.
  
  For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/PDF/CALM.pdf
  (Jul. 8, 2010)

• SPRC Research-to-Practice Webinar: Understanding Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Suicide Prevention - Tuesday, July 27, 3:00-4:30 ET
  Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), such as cutting, self-hitting, burning, and picking has been found to occur in 10-20% of middle and high school students in the U.S. While distinct from suicide, NSSI is a risk factor. Participants will learn: distinctions between NSSI and suicide, components of a self-injury prevention program for high schools, and outcome data related to an evaluation of the program.
  
  For more information https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/802283136
  (Jul. 8, 2010)

• SPRC updates Customized Information for Survivors
  SPRC has recently updated the Survivors web page, part of the Customized Information Series. Topics covered include self-care, helping other survivors, telling children about a suicide, preventing suicide and how and when to become active in preventing suicide after the loss of a loved one. The page also lists resources useful to survivors, such as publications, websites, and organizations.
  
  For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/customized/survivors.asp
  (Jul. 8, 2010)

• CSN announces online forum CSN Communities
  The Children’s Safety Network (CSN) is proud to announce CSN Communities, an online forum for support and increasing awareness about the importance of injury and violence prevention. Through CSN Communities, state and territorial Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Injury and Violence Prevention (IVP) staff can share resources, have an ongoing dialogue about their work, and talk with experts in the field of injury prevention.
  
  For more information http://csncommunities.ning.com
  (Jul. 8, 2010)

• Working Minds: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace has been added to Section III of the BPR.
  Developed by the Carson J Spencer Foundation, Working Minds features a facilitator’s guide and 30-minute training DVD designed to help workplace administrators and employees better understand and prevent suicide. Programs listed in Section III of the BPR address specific objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and have been reviewed for accuracy, safety, likelihood of meeting objectives, and adherence to prevention program guidelines.
  
  For more information http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/PDF/WorkingMinds_SPWorkplace.pdf
  (Jul. 1, 2010)

• Learn to facilitate a Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group
  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is offering training programs to help survivors of suicide loss learn the "how-to's" of creating and facilitating a support group. This two-day program combines lecture, interactive discussion and role-playing with feedback. The training is appropriate 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. Registration is now open for the following: Lexington, SC – August 13-14
  
  For more information http://www.afsp.org/facilitatortraining
  (Jul. 1, 2010)

• US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces $250 million for public health prevention
  As part of the Affordable Care Act, DHHS announced last week that $250 million will be made available to strengthen the capacity of public health departments. Some of the funds will be directed toward coordination/integration of primary care services into publicly-funded community mental health and other community-based behavioral health settings; building state/local/tribal public health infrastructure; and supporting data collection and analysis. The funding will also strengthen the Community Preventive Services Task Force, which identifies, disseminates and provides recommendations on evidence-based approaches in public health prevention.
  
  For more information http://www.healthreform.gov/newsroom/acaprevention.html
  (Jul. 1, 2010)

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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.

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