Community
Education Program
Depression
has reached epidemic proportions among youth. In the United States,
nearly 5,000 young people commit suicide each year. For every youth
that dies, an additional 100 to 200 suicide attempts are made. In
California, suicide is the third leading cause of death in persons
between the ages of 15 and 24. Countless other young people struggle
with serious depression that goes undiagnosed or untreated.
Program
Mission
Our "Teens for Life" program is designed to prevent suicide in
young people by providing a forum for information and honest discussion
of this difficult issue. The goal of the program is to give students
the tools they need to get help for themselves or someone they
know who may be struggling with depression or suicidal feelings.
Research demonstrates that youth who are able to openly share
their feelings are less likely to act on self-destructive feelings
and more likely to find resources and support.
Program
Structure
Through "Teens for Life," CSS staff and volunteers visit classrooms
to discuss:
- Student
feelings and attitudes about suicide
- Reasons
why someone might commit suicide
- Information
about depression and suicidal behavior
- Skills
for coping with stress
- Ways
to get help
CSS
also offers community education programs for teachers, parents,
community groups and mental health providers. Critical incident
debriefing services are also available for those grieving a sudden
death.
Who
We Serve
Students in Alameda County schools as well as teachers, parents,
community groups, and mental health providers. Last year, CSS
staff and volunteers reached out to more than 10,000 young people
in 38 different schools and in 251 classroom presentations throughout
Alameda County. We participated in 18 community Health Fairs and
presented trainings in suicide assessment to over 30 community
and mental health organizations.
Fees
None.
Contact
Information
To request a speaker or to volunteer for the community education
program, please call (510) 420-2460 during business hours, Monday
through Friday.
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