Financial Distress & Suicide Risk

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a guide with practical advice on how to deal with the effects financial difficulties can have on your physical and mental health. Getting Through Tough Economic Times covers the following topics:

• Possible health risks
• Warning signs
• Managing stress
• Getting help
• Suicide warning signs
• Other steps you can take

The guide was developed by SAMHSA, the Suicide Prevention Center, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury.

Out of the Darkness Community Walk

An Out of the Darkness Community Walk will be held September 11, 2010 at Highlands Ranch High School. This fall, over 200 walks will be held across the county to benefit the research and education programs of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Online registration closes at 11:45 pm the day before the walk, but you can register at the walk.

For more information, visit the South Metro Walk site.

New Illinois Law Expands Suicide Prevention Training for School Personnel

On June 26, 2010, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill into law that will require Illinois school social workers for grades 7 through 12 to undergo suicide prevention training. Under the old law, only guidance counselors and teachers from grades 7 through 12 had to be trained in suicide detection and prevention. The new law also adds participating in or presenting at inservice training programs on suicide prevention to the list of possible professional development activities for teacher certification or certification renewal.

"We must do every thing we can to protect our youngest citizens,"said Governor Quinn. "This new law will help save young lives by making sure schools are better-equipped to monitor suicidal behavior and know when and how to intervene."

The press release along with audio of the Governor's comments are available here.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Workshops

The Douglas County School District is offering two free ASIST workshops in July. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a 2-day workshop developed by LivingWorks Education, Inc that prepares Gatekeepers to integrate principles of intervention into everyday practice. The workshops are scheduled for July 12-13 and July 20-21, and will be held from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Castle Rock.

The trainings are supported through funds provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Office of Suicide Prevention grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and support from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

To register or get more information, email Betsy Sousa.

Sixth Annual Second Wind Fund Golf Tournament

Second Wind Fund of Douglas County is hosting its Sixth Annual Golf Tournament on July 20th at the Arrowhead Golf Club in Roxborough. Last year Second Wind Fund provided therapy to 45 suicidal youth in Douglas County. The program is the only source of support for many youth in crisis and the demand is expected to increase.

To register for the tournament or become a sponsor, contact Holly Glasgow at 720-851-9350 or SecondWindDC@gmail.com.

Deadline for registration is July 10.