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Now that School's Out...
Summer Break Hot Spots for Warning Signs Forums

Schools have traditionally provided the ideal setting - and a captive audience - for psychologists leading Warning Signs forums. But even when schools let out, Warning Signs forums are still possible if psychologists find the places where youth gather and tap into local resources to help spread the word.

Dr. Deborah Gruen, Connecticut's public education campaign coordinator, found that local radio stations can make good partners for Warning Signs forums.

She recently contacted a classic rock station in her hometown to help promote a community-based Warning Signs forum at a local library. In addition to on-air promotions for her forum, the radio station invited her to do two interviews - one about youth violence and a second about mental health in general during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

"I think the key is just picking up the telephone and calling," Gruen says. "You never know. I have made a lot of interesting contacts this way. The most important thing is the good reputation it gives psychologists."

Following are some additional ideas about hosting forums where youth in your community may be spending their summer break.

Local libraries - Libraries often offer summer programs for youth and may welcome a Warning Signs forum. Before your forum, consider working with the librarian to develop a list of books about youth violence and other relevant topics that young people can check out.

Youth clubs - Locations such as the YMCA, YWCA and Boys & Girls Clubs often become summer "hot spots" for local youth. Check the community services section of your local telephone book for organizations that serve youth or do an Internet search for chapters of the organizations recommended above, as well as local scouting organizations.

Summer schools and camps - Many youth attend camps or summer programs at local schools, parks and universities. Your local school district's main office may have listings for summer camps in your community, or they may point you to a resource where this information is available.

As you plan your Warning Signs forums, please be sure to contact the Campaign Services Bureau early in the process so materials such as Warning Signs guides, Communications Tips for Parents and Change Your Mind About Mental Health brochures can be shipped in a cost-effective manner.

To order materials, please call toll-free 877.274.8787, ext. 135 or email the Campaign Services Bureau at PEC.

APA member psychologists are invited to participate in National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) on October 11, 2001, run by the nonprofit Screening for Mental Health, Inc. The deadline for psychologists to register as a screening site is August 10. This year's events will include community-based programs, outreach for colleges and the public sector, older adult outreach, and high school suicide prevention programs.

A typical depression screening day involves a presentation and question and answer session about depression by a mental health professional. Consumers who attend can complete a written questionnaire and participate in a brief one-on-one interview with a mental health professional if they choose. Additionally, psychologists can volunteer to conduct community-based depression screenings on a year round basis.

Attracting consumers to any event can be difficult, but some psychologists have hosted successful screenings by partnering with local businesses, such as Borders bookstores, to promote and provide locations for these events. Other options are conducting screenings in the lobby of busy office buildings or on college campuses.

A new component of the depression screening program is SOS: High School Suicide Prevention Program. SOS provides training for teens to recognize the warning signs of suicide and teaches action steps to intervene. The program treats suicide as a mental health emergency and seeks to make its intervention steps (ACT - Acknowledge, Care, and Tell) as well known as the Heimlich maneuver or CPR.

For more information about NDSD or the SOS program, contact Screening for Mental Health, Inc. Registration information for all screening events can be obtained by visiting www.nmisp.org or calling 781.239.0071. Information is also available about national screening days for alcohol, anxiety disorders and eating disorders.

With a wide array of supporters, including APA, more than 10 million people have participated in Screening for Mental Health Inc.'s programs since 1995.

Public education campaign coordinators and any special guests attending APA's annual convention in San Francisco are invited to attend a special reception. We know you often plan dinners with colleagues and are invited to other convention-related activities, so we hope you will save a space on your calendar for this special event hosted especially for all of you.

The PEC reception will be held Saturday, August 25 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. near the convention center and hotels. You will receive an invitation and more details about the event location in the coming weeks.

Now the Campaign Services Bureau is even more accessible. Email your comments, questions and requests for Talk to Someone Who Can Help, Warning Signs, DotComSense, Communication Tips or other materials to PEC.

Please be sure to include your return email and telephone number so we can confirm receipt of your email. You can also still contact us directly, toll-free at 877.274.8787, ext. 135.