Adolescent Suicide Prevention Program
This suicide prevention program is available to middle/junior and senior high schools in Summit County. The two and three day curriculum is presented by a certified teacher. Suicide prevention programs are also available for in-service meetings, professional organizations, and parent education.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15-24. The suicide rate for young people has increased 300% since the 1960's.
Bridges
(Building Recovery of Individual Dreams and Goals through Education and Support)
(Contact Coordinator Gerard Dusa at gerarddusa@mhasc.net)
BRIDGES is an adult peer support program open to anyone with a mental health challenge. The BRIDGES program is based on the belief that those of us with mental illness “can and do recover a new and valued sense of self and purpose.”
A ten week course is taught twice a year. Topics range from: Thought, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and Dual Recovery issues. Additional topics are: Building Support, Biology and the Brain, Medication, Mental Health Services, Recovery and Working, Tools for Recovery, Religion and Spirituality, and Advocacy.
A weekly support group is led by peers, people who are dealing with a mental health challenge not professionals. The group has been meeting for several years and is based on the BRIDGES course especially the ideas of the Emotional Stages of Recovery and Principles of Support. Taking the course is not at all necessary to belong to the support group.
PEERS (Parent Education, Empowerment, Resources & Support)
Families having children with emotional or mental health problems are often overwhelmed with their child’s education, medical treatments, and social involvements. PEERS project educates and trains parents on the laws and services that are available to them. It then introduces the trained advocates to concerned parents for assistance navigating the academic, medical, and social systems successfully, which then empowers them to continue advocating for their child effectively.
The PEERS Project is a collaboration with many systems in Summit County who work with children and families.
In addition to providing education, advocacy, and support to families, the PEERS Project Advocates are planning activities with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and are working with Legislators and Policy makers to promote change within the mental health system.
Red Flags is a school based program promoting awareness and intervention of childhood depression for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
This program utilizes a short film and curriculum (Thick 'n Thin:Understanding Teen Depression) that includes in-service training for school personnel, a four session lesson plan for students and a seminar for parents and community members.
Teddy Bear Patrol
Mental Health America provides teddy bears to many local hospitals, Police Departments, the Sheriff's Department. These teddy bears are given to children whenever the need arises, whether through accident, fire, domestic problems, or any emergency situation.
According to the officers who are participating in this program, the bear comforts the child immediately and represents care and understanding in the midst of a traumatic situation.