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DoD Task Force on Suicide Prevention Releases Report
The DoD Task Force on the Prevention of Suicide by Members of the Armed Forces today submitted a comprehensive report to the Secretary of Defense as the culmination of a year-long study into the rising incidence of suicide among members of the military. Upon approval, the Secretary will submit the report to Congress for formal review.
While reports from similar studies have recently been issued by individual branches of the Service, the DoD Task Force is unique in its charter as an independent body of uniformed and civilian experts- across all Services, established by Congressional mandate in the FY09 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Operating within the Federal Advisory Committee Act guidelines, the Task Force has been an independent subcommittee of the Defense Health Board, responsible to the Secretary of Defense, through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
Please click here for a copy of the Task Force Executive Summary
Please click here for a copy of the full report
Please click here to read the press release that accompanied the report
Suicide Prevention, Education and Research – New Laws and Pending Legislation in 2010
Please click here for a copy of the PowerPoint presentation used during the August 18, 2010 webinar titled, "Suicide Prevention, Education and Research - New Laws and Pending Legislation in 2010." The Webinar covers what laws Congress passed and sent to the President for signature that impact suicide-related issues in 2010, which Governors have signed laws this year that will change the way schools address teen suicide issues and other state and local laws that help prevent suicide.
This webinar will also describe what is happening at the Federal, state and local levels of government and give you tools to continue tracking such initiatives.
Participants will learn about:
- The trends emerging in state and local suicide-related laws
- The meaning of Health Care Reform law for mental health parity and suicide prevention
- Factors influencing whether Congress will increase funding for important programs like the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grants
- Congressional legislation and laws that address suicide rates among veterans and active military
- How Congress is responding to suicide rates among Native American youth
For a copy of the Webinar PowerPoint, please click here.
For a copy of the originial webinar with audio, please visit this link and download the archived webinar.
New Army Report Released Examining the Problem of Suicide – AFSP Graphic Featured In Document
On Thursday, July 29 the United States Army released a new report addressing the problem of suicide among members of the armed forces. The report, which is 350 pages long, is entitled “Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention.” Some of the key aspects of this comprehensive document are: detailed data on Army suicides, the causes and risk factors for military suicides and recommendations on needed action and research.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) was featured in this document on pages 13 and 14 where a graphic, created by AFSP, shows state-by-state suicide rates. AFSP is proud to support the effort to reduce suicide among members of the armed forces, and we will continue to work with the military, the White House, and Members of Congress to end the epidemic of suicides among those serving our country.
To see the new Army report, click here.
To see the AFSP graphic showing the rate of suicides in the U.S. by state, please click here.
Indian Youth Suicide Prevention Summit, Washington, DC,
July 26, 2010
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, hosted an important meeting in Washington that brought together tribal leaders and youth, as well as private organizations like AFSP and federal agencies, to build partnership and develop a plan on how to work together to prevent Indian youth suicide. Indian Affairs Committee member, Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) also attended and participated in this important meeting.
AFSP Executive Director Bob Gebbia and Medical Director Paula Clayton, M.D. were invited to participate and to lend their knowledge and support (see photos of meeting).
The rate of suicide for Native American youth is far higher – 70 percent higher – than that of any other ethnic group in the United States. Everyone attending this meeting agreed that the federal government, tribes and the mental health community must work together to address the crisis of suicide among Native American youth. The forum was a good opportunity for non-profit groups and federal agencies to hear first hand about the urgent need for behavioral health and suicide prevention resources in tribal communities.
AFSP Public Policy staff will be working with interested tribal groups, federal government agencies, and other private sector groups in the weeks and months ahead to prepare and implement a program to bring important suicide education and prevention services to Native Americans in all walks of life.
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), begins the discussion on Indian Youth Suicide Prevention in the Senate Indian Affairs Committee room.
AFSP’s Executive Director, Robert Gebbia, discusses the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding suicide.
AFSP’s Medical Director, Dr. Paula Clayton, shares with the group the underlying causes of suicide, such as depression and alcohol abuse.
National Institute of Mental Health Holds Alliance for Research Progress Summer Meeting on July 23, 2010
On Friday, July 23, the National Institute of Mental Health hosted the Alliance for Research Progress Summer Meeting. The conference was rich with discussion on some of the most pressing concerns in the mental health field today and the initiatives in place that try to address these issues. A number of speakers in the day-long conference held presentations covering topics ranging from global mental health to army risk and resilience studies. AFSP was represented by John Madigan, Senior Director of Public Policy. AFSP Public Policy Associates Lindsey Browning and Mariam Nek also attended.
Several speakers presented topics directly related to AFSP’s major public policy issues. Dr. Thomas R. Insel, Director of the NIMH, gave an overview of the process involved in creating prescription drugs, and the importance that research plays in developing effective medications for psychiatric disorders. He did, however, voice the concern about the length of time it takes to research, test, and market prescription drugs—from 10 to 15 years—and how this can pose as a problem when trying to provide people with better mental health care.
Lisa J. Colpe, Ph.D., Chief of the Office of Clinical and Population Epidemiology Research in the Services and Intervention Research Division of the NIMH gave an update on the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service Members—the Army STARRS Project. The project conducts studies and gathers information on army suicides to better understand the frequency and causes of these suicides.
Pamela S. Hyde, the Administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration discussed SAMHSA’s many goals and objectives, including how health care reform will affect behavioral health and mental health parity. She works with AFSP to provide funding for suicide prevention programs such as the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. Administrator Hyde indicated that suicide prevention was one of SAMHSA’s top three priorities.
The powerpoint presentations from each of the speakers will be made available in about two weeks time.
Put Yourself in the Picture – Suicide Prevention, Making a Difference in Public Policy
On July 22, 2010, AFSP public policy staff in conjunction with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center conducted a webinar entitled, "Put Yourself in the Picture - Suicide Prevention, Making a Difference in Public Policy." A copy of the powerpoint slides from the presentation is available here, and a full copy of the webinar with audio will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
For the original webinar with audio, please click here and download the archived webinar.
U.S. House of Representatives Examines the Progress of Suicide Prevention Efforts within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
On Wednesday, July 14, 2010 The U.S. House of Representatives Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted a hearing to examine the progress of suicide prevention efforts within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. AFSP’s Medical Director, Dr. Paula Clayton was asked to submit testimony for the record. Dr. Clayton’s testimony emphasized the need to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health treatment for those who have served in the armed forces. Dr. Clayton wants our veterans to know that seeking help for mental health and substance abuse problems is a sign of strength. Dr. Clayton implored the Committee to understand that suicide among veterans is an “absolute crisis,” and to offer any and all assistance to the Department of Veterans Affairs as they implement programs to prevent suicide.
Others, who personally testified at the hearing, echoed this message. Linda Bean, a survivor of her veteran son’s suicide, stated emphatically that the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to actively publicize and make available mental health resources for veterans and their families. Additionally, a veteran of the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Retired Warrant Officer Melvin Citron, shared his story about struggling to receive mental health care through the healthcare systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs. From his experience he sees a critical need to boost and implement mental health services that help those in dire need as well as those who may have not yet reached desperation.
Other witnesses who appeared before the committee shared their specific expertise and knowledge about suicide prevention among veterans. These individuals ranged from officials serving at the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to veteran service organizations, such as the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
For a full list of witnesses and to view the written statements, please click here.
AFSP's Executive Director, Robert Gebbia, Featured in Prominent D.C. Political Newspaper
An editorial submitted by Robert Gebbia to The Hill, a political newspaper in Washington, D.C., has been published. The opinion piece reflects on a Congressional hearing held last Tuesday about suicide among members of the armed forces, and in the piece Robert Gebbia discuses what must be done to stop suicides among veterans and members of the active duty military.
At the Armed Services Committee hearing last week, four top military generals and a representative from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs were present to provide testimony to Congress on the progress in preventing military suicides and challenges in detection and care of the invisible wounds of war.
For the text of Robert Gebbia’s editorial, click here. To see the front page of the paper in which the article is featured, click here.
Illinois Takes Action to Prevent Youth Suicides
On Saturday, June 26, 2010, Illinois pushed forward in the fight to prevent youth suicides as Governor Pan Quinn signed a bill into law that requires school social workers for grade 7 through 12 to receive suicide prevention training. In addition, this new law allows suicide prevention activities to be a possible professional development activity for teacher certification or certification renewal. These provisions, which took effect immediately, will add to current Illinois statutes that require the training of guidance counselors and teachers for grades 7 through 12 in suicide prevention.
For the full text of the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), please click here.
U.S. Congress Examines Cyber Bullying
On June 24, the U.S. House of Representative's Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, which is within the Education and Labor Committee, held a hearing about student internet safety – focusing on the pressing problem of cyber bullying. The hearing was titled, “Ensuring Student Cyber Safety,” and those providing testimony ranged from acclaimed television talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw to Barbara-Jane Paris, a school administrator from Austin, TX. A total of six individuals testified before this subcommittee about the danger of cyber bullying, and many of the witnesses emphasized the link between this problem and suicides among youth in the U.S.
For more information on the hearing, including the webcast and the testimonies, click here.
New Regulations Increase Access to Mental Health Coverage for Americans
Health care reform legislation (the Affordable Care Act), signed into law in March of this year, will increase access to mental health treatment and strengthen mental health parity over the next few years. Today, the first major step toward accomplishing these goals took place. The Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury issued regulations on the implementation of a Patient’s Bill of Rights. This document ensures that those children, and eventually all Americans, with pre-existing conditions will have access to health insurance coverage. Additionally, the Patient’s Bill of Rights ensures that this same population will be able to keep their coverage, and it allows Americans’ to maintain their choice of physicians. Finally, these regulations bring an end to lifetime limits on care.
These and other provisions in the Patient’s Bill of Rights will help prevent suicides through access to appropriate and ongoing mental health care that many Americans have been previously denied.
For more information on the Patient’s Bill of Right, click here.
Senate Approves Resolution designating June 27th as ‘National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day’
On June 23, 2010, the Senate approved Senate Resolution 541, which designates June 27th as ‘National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day.’ The resolution was passed thanks to the support of sponsor Senator Kent Conrad [D-ND], AFSP Field Advocates, and the following 12 cosponsors:
Sherrod Brown [D-OH], Samuel Brownback [R-KS], Byron Dorgan [D-ND], Richard Durbin [D-IL], Al Franken [D-MN], Daniel Inouye [D-HI], Joseph Lieberman [I-CT], John Rockefeller [D-WV], Bernard Sanders [I-VT], Charles Schumer [D-NY], Olympia Snowe [R-ME], and Mark Warner [D-VA].
As the number of military service members and veterans diagnosed with PTSD increases, there is a dire need for research devoted to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to mitigate the risk of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and depression. The resolution urges that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense do more to educate service members, veterans, and their families about the underlying causes, signs and possible treatments of the disorder.
A special thanks to Mary Weiler, Chairman and Brenda Weiler, Co-Chairman of the AFSP-ND Chapter for their instrumental role in getting AFSP involved in the successful passage of this resolution!
Senate Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on Military Suicide Prevention
On Tuesday, June 22, 2010, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing to receive testimony on the progress in preventing military suicides and challenges in detection and care of the invisible wounds of war. For details on the hearing, including an archived webcast and copies of testimony submitted by witnesses, please click here.
AFSP Supports Resolution on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day
On May 27, 2010 Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) introduced a resolution (S. Res. 541) that would designate June 27, 2010 as “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day.” The purpose of the resolution is to raise awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental illness that is common among members of the military which develops after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal where serious physical harm occurred or was threatened.
The date chosen for this awareness day is the birthday of North Dakota National Guard Staff Sergeant Joe Biel. After serving two tours of duty in Iraq and suffering from PTSD, Sgt. Biel tragically lost his life to suicide in April 2007. Since this date, his fellow members of the National Guard have reached out to raise awareness of PTSD through a motorcycle ride across North Dakota. Inspired by these soldiers and their actions to stop the widespread suffering caused by PTSD, Senator Conrad introduced this resolution and continues to push for its passage through Congress.
AFSP is proud to support this resolution as a part of an effort to reduce the number of men and women who serve in the armed forced and die by suicide.
For a copy of the resolution, please click here.
AFSP Seeks Support from Massachusetts Senate on Prescription Discount Bill
AFSP seeks support from the Massachusetts Senate for House Bill 4689 (MA HB 4689), a bill relative to manufacturer rebates and discount coupons for prescription medications. AFSP Executive Director Bob Gebbia sent a letter to Chairman Steven Panagiotakos of the Massachusetts Senate Ways and Means Committee urging for approval by the full Senate for MA HB 4689, which would make prescription drugs more affordable and treatment more accessible. Easier access to medication would help people be better able to deal with one of the most important risk factors for suicide: untreated psychiatric disorders. Less costly medication would help provide patients with the treatment they need and make suicide prevention more possible.
For a copy of the letter, please click here.
Florida Enacts Law to Provide School Personnel with Suicide Prevention Education
On June 14, 2010, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed into law legislation that incorporates suicide prevention education and training into the professional development plans for school personnel. Senate Bill 434 and House Bill 1061 gives all statewide school personnel the opportunity to bolster their In-Service Development Plans through cost-free online and in-person suicide prevention training options. School personnel are present in the lives of their students every day and are integral players on the front lines in the battle to prevent suicide through education and outreach while being able to intervene in the event of a crisis.
AFSP/SPAN USA Supports Massachusetts House Bill 4689
On Tuesday, June 8, the AFSP/SPAN USA Public Policy Council voted to support Massachusetts House Bill 4689 (MA H 4689) after being recommended by the State and Local Policy Subcommittee. MA H 4689 would provide consumers with access to cost-saving prescription discount programs when purchasing their prescription drugs. The bill passed the Massachusetts State House by a vote of 156-0 in May and has been referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for consideration. AFSP/SPAN USA staff expect the Massachusetts Senate to take up the measure before their session convenes at the end of June.
The SAMHSA Modernization Act of 2010
On May 28, Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Gene Green (D-TX) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). As the lead government agency charged with implementation of suicide prevention initiatives, AFSP/SPAN USA public policy staff will be closely examining the legislation as it moves forward.
Upon first review, many important elements to the suicide prevention community are included. Of particular significance are the provisions as they relate to the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act (GLSMA) programs including the authorization of funds for a suicide prevention technical assistance center (Suicide Prevention Resource Center or SPRC), youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies, and mental health and substance use disorder services on college campuses. Additionally, the SAMHSA reauthorization establishes older adult mental health grants to address the mental health needs of older Americans by supporting establishment and maintenance of geriatric outreach teams, developing and implementing older adult suicide and prevention strategies, among other services.
Currently there is no companion bill in the Senate, however, AFSP/SPAN USA public policy staff is working with the Senate to get a bill introduced. There has been discussion among Senate staff about adding an additional grant program to provide counseling assistance to college campuses.
Attached is the press release issued by the office of Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Representative Gene Green (D-TX). AFSP/SPAN USA would like to thank Representatives Kennedy and Green for their hard work and dedication to mental health issues and suicide prevention.
Kennedy, Green Introduce SAMHSA Reauthorization
Washington, DC – Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Gene Green (D-TX) today introduced legislation to reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Established in 1992, SAMHSA is tasked with targeting services to the millions who fail to receive the substance abuse or mental health services they need, and to translate research in these fields into more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
“With the passage of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in 2008, and the extension of mental health parity protections in this year’s health care reform legislation, we are finally beginning to break down the stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse,” said Kennedy. “Instrumental in these efforts is SAMHSA, assuring the dissemination of evidence-based techniques and strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery.”
“This important piece of legislation will make needed improvements to improve mental health and substance abuse services,” Rep. Green said. “This includes provisions I’ve championed for several years to enhance the ability of community mental health organizations to meet serious mental health and substance abuse needs by authorizing grants for the co-location of primary and specialty care into community-based mental health settings, integrating treatment for mental health and substance abuse co-occurring disorders, expanding tele-psychiatry in medically underserved areas as well as addressing mental health workforce issues. These improvements to current SAMHSA policies will give individuals improved access to mental health and substance abuse services.”
Last year, approximately 20 million people failed to receive the substance abuse treatment they needed, and an estimated 10.6 million adults reported an unmet need for mental health care.
To accomplish its work, SAMHSA administers a combination of competitive, formula, and block grant programs and data collection activities through the Center for Mental Health Services, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and the Office of Applied Studies, which has primary responsibility for the collection, analysis and dissemination of behavioral health data. This legislation will reauthorize and modernize the programs in SAMHSA.
“Further, this bill acknowledges that many individuals receive their treatment and recovery services through faith- and community-based organizations,” added Kennedy. “This legislation takes important steps to ensure that those organizations are prohibited from discriminating in employment with their use of Federal funding. I believe this legislation crafts a solution that balances the civil rights protections which I have fought for my entire career with the critical need to expand access to substance abuse and mental health treatment and recovery services. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and all of the stakeholders as this legislation moves forward.”
Kennedy, author of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery.
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House Passes Resolution Recognizing May as Mental Health Month
(Washington, D.C.) Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution authored by Rep. Grace Napolitano designating May as Mental Health Month. The final vote was 407 to 1, with 24 abstaining.
“Mental health is an issue that has been ignored for decades,” Napolitano said. “It is time we acknowledged that untreated mental illness continues to cause suffering among our friends, family, soldiers and veterans. Awareness is essential for erasing the myths and stigma surrounding mental illness that prevent people from seeking care. I applaud my fellow members of Congress for their support and hope to call upon them again for future legislation addressing mental health concerns.”
Napolitano is the author of H.R. 2531, the Mental Health in Schools Act, which would provide grant funding for preventive mental health services in public schools. The bill is modeled after a successful mental health program Napolitano has supported in her district over the last 9 years.
In May, mental health non-profits and advocacy groups held rallies and educational events across the country to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Napolitano held three briefings in Washington this month to educate congressional staff on mental health issues. The first focused on children’s mental health, the second on mental health programs in the U.S. military, and the third on suicide prevention.
Napolitano is the co-chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus.
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Representatives Burton and Napolitano Submit Amendment to National Defense Authorization Act
Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) and Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA) have submitted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that expresses the expresses the sense of Congress that the current policy that prohibits sending a presidential letter of condolence to the family of a member of the Armed Forces who has died by suicide only serves to perpetuate the stigma of mental illness that pervades the Armed Forces and the President, as Commander-in-Chief, should overturn the policy and treat all military families equally.
To see a copy of the Amendment, please click here.
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano's (D-CA) Floor Statement on H. Res. 1258
On Wednesday, May 25, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) made a statement on the floor of the House of Representatives on H. Res. 1258 - Designating May as Mental Health Month. Watch the Congresswoman's statement here at the 10:00 minute mark.
U.S.A. Suicide: 2007 Official Final Data
AFSP/SPAN USA has received a copy of the 2007 official final data on suicide in the United States preapred by John L. McIntosh, Ph.D. for the American Association of Suicidology. AFSP/SPAN USA staff will work to incorporate these new numbers into our public policy issues briefs over the coming weeks.
Click here for a copy of U.S.A. Suicide: 2007 Official Final Data
AFSP/SPAN USA Requests Funding Necessary to Implement Depression Centers of Excellence
On Thursday. May 20, 2010, AFSP/SPAN USA Executive Director Robert Gebbia sent a letter to members of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. In the letter Mr. Gebbia requested the funding necessary to implement the ENHANCED Act (Depression Centers of Excellence) in the Fiscal Year 2011 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act.
The ENHANCED Act was included in the comprehensive healthcare reform bill. This Act authorizes funding to SAMHSA over ten years to support a national network of up to 30 centers of excellence to translate academic treatment advances into clinical care throughout the nation, standardize diagnoses, treat depression and bipolar disorder more effectively, erase the stigma and lessen the huge financial costs associated with these diseases. In addition to already existing Centers in California, Colorado and Michigan, over a dozen more clinical Depression Centers around the country are being planned to address the need for greater geographic dissemination of high quality depression care. Priority areas for expansion include Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, as well as Southern California, Rhode Island and Florida.
The ENHANCED Act will award competitive grants for the creation of up to 30 depression centers throughout the country. Under the ENHANCED Act, each Center is required to contribute $1 of their own funds for every $5 of federal funding received in an effort to leverage federal dollars and maximize operational efficiency and effectiveness. This federal funding will provide much needed resources and coordination to the mental health community allowing them to develop universally accepted evidence-based, multi-disciplinary approaches and real-time clinical and care management guidelines. According to a University of Michigan study, for every $100 million invested, there is an estimated savings of $250 million in healthcare costs and increased productivity.
AFSP/SPAN USA believes that the ENHANCED Act will save lives and money. Suicide is a preventable public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United States. As a nation we must be committed to improving the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of depression and bipolar disorders so that those who are affected will lead healthier, more productive lives. More investment in research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of American each year.
To view an electronic copy of the letter to the Senate please click here and here for a copy of the House letter. You can also visit the Resources section of our website to find both letters.
Introducing "In the News"
Each day, AFSP/SPAN USA staff comb through the days news to see where stories of suicide, suicide prevention and mental health are appearing in the media. As articles and reports pop up we will be posting them to the "In the News" section located on the left navigation bar. Please visit this section daily to get the latest information on topics pertaining to the field of suicide prevention, education, research and advocacy.
AFSP Submits Comments on Mental Health Parity Regulations
On April 29, 2010 AFSP signed on to a letter sent by the Mental Health Liaison Group supporting the Interim Final Rules for the Wellstone/Domenici Act and on April 30 submitted its own comments to federal agencies on the interim final rules. For copies of these comments on mental health parity regulations please visit our resources section.
Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA) signs antibullying law
On Monday, May 3, 2010, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law a measure to crack down on school bullying across the state.
The law prohibits any actions that could cause emotional or physical harm to students, including text messages and taunting over the Internet. It also mandates antibullying training, for faculty as well as students, and requires that parents be informed of incidents at school.
It also requires every school employee, including custodians and cafeteria workers, report incidents of suspected bullying and that principals investigate each case.
UPDATE - Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN) Introduces House Resolution 1229
Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) introduced H. Res. 1229 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should overturn the policy that prohibits sending a presidential letter of condolence to the family of a member of the Armed Forces who has died by suicide - on Thursday, March 25, 2010.
The resolution, originally co-sponsored by 41 Democratic and Republican Members of the House, now has 54 co-sponsors and has been referred to the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel as of April 23, 2010. For further information on the bill, including a list of co-sponsors, please click here.
2010 Annual Friend for Life Reception
On Tuesday, April 27, 2010, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)/SPAN USA’s annual Friend for Life Reception was held in Washington, DC. Senator Byron Dorgan, Representative Dan Burton, Representative Grace Napolitano and the Mental Health Liaison Group received “Allies for Action” Awards at the reception. Army Major General Mark Graham and his wife Carol gave the keynote at the event by sharing their story on the loss of their son Kevin to suicide.
AFSP/SPAN USA would like to thank our Allies for Action Award recipients, congressional staff, guests and the following sponsors if not for whose contributions the event would not have been possible:
- Association of American Railroads - Thanks to Anne Reinke for assisting in this donation
- CSX Corporation - Thanks to our own Anne Reinke
- The Curie Group, LLC - Thanks to our own Charley Curie
- DIAGEO - Thanks to Gary Zizka
- Lilly USA, LLC - Thank you to Michele Oshman
- TriWest Healthcare Alliance - Thanks to Bill Cahill
Additionally, AFSP/SPAN USA would like to thank those individuals who made donations to the event. Your generosity helps support the important efforts of preventing suicide through education, research and advocacy:
- Michael Ballard
- John Graham
- Major General and Mrs. Mark Graham
- Maury Lieberman and Leslie Scallet
- Walter and Catherine Malinowski
- Bob and Leigh Olshan
- Robert Portman/Powers, Pyles, Sutter and Verville, PC
- Judi Teske
- Myrl Weinberg
The Allies for Action Award recognizes recipients for their dedication and leadership efforts in suicide education and prevention. The Friend for Life reception brings together mental health professionals, suicide prevention allies, congressional leaders, corporations, trade associations, advocacy groups, and other leaders in the field.
You can view pictures from the event here, or by viewing the slideshow below. You can also access press releases for the event below the slideshow.
- Thanks to our Sponsors
- Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) Allies for Action Press Release
- Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) Allies for Action Press Release
- Representative Grace Napolitano Allies for Action Press Release
- The Mental Health Liaison Group Allies for Action Press Release
- General Allies for Action Awards Press Release
Introducing the Resources Page
Have you recently attended an event where a member of AFSP/SPAN USA's public policy staff made a presentation? Looking for materials that might aid you, your fellow field advocates or chapter members in your advocacy efforts? Then check out our resources tab in the left column where you will find powerpoint presentations and other materials available for download. The two most recent items include powerpoint presentations given by AFSP/SPAN USA Senior Director of Public Policy, John Madigan, at the American Association of Suicidology Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida from April 21-24, 2010.
- AFSP/SPAN USA Senior Director of Public Policy John Madigan - Suicide Prevention: Best Practices and Policy
- AFSP/SPAN USA Senior Director of Public Policy John Madigan - Survivors in Action: Transforming Grief into Advocacy
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION ADDRESSES SENATE HEARING ON INDIAN AFFAIRS
March 25, 2010 - WASHINGTON – Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs along with vice chair Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and committee member Senator Al Franken (D-MN) held an oversight hearing to discuss the rising rate of youth suicides in states with large Native American populations and the urgent need for additional mental health care resources.
Dr. Paula Clayton, Medical Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, was among the many experts to testify. According, Dr. Clayton the most important way to prevent suicide is by recognizing and treating the mental disorders such as depression and substance abuse that can be highly fatal.
“Every culture has strong biases against doing that, including among the various tribes,” she said. “But these biases must be identified and overcome in order to save lives”.
Dr. Clayton laid out four strategies to help reduce suicide. First, utilize AFSP’s More than Sad: Teen Depressionfilms to educate teenagers about depression and treatment, while also informing their teachers about suicide risk factors and how to refer students to treatment. Second, implement screening programs such as TeenScreen at high schools and AFSP’s Interactive Screening Program for college students. Third educate doctors and nurses on how to better recognize disturbed teenagers and begin treatment. And fourth to develop postvention programs to help those left behind after a suicide.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, from 1999 to 2004, American Indian and Alaska Native males in the 15- to 24-year-old age group had the nation’s highest suicide rate, 27.99 per 100,000 compared to other males of the same age (17.54 for white male teens, 12.80 for black teens, 8.96 for Asian/Pacific Islanders). These alarming statistics illustrate the urgent need for immediate action.
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About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy as well as to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.
Please click the links below to view copies of witness testimony:
COLORADAS MANGAS, Sophomore at Ruidoso High School, Mescalero Apache Reservation, New Mexico
AFSP/SPAN USA's
2010 Legislative Institute Recap
AFSP/SPAN USA Field Advocates from across the country brought the fight to prevent suicide to over 100 House and Senate offices on Tuesday, March 9.
Equipped with their personal stories and data showing the devastating, widespread impact of suicide, advocates visited Congressional offices to discuss the importance of suicide prevention, education and research programs. Top issues discussed included the reauthorization of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act (GLSMA). This law was first passed in 2004 to address suicide among the youth population as suicide is the second leading cause of death for this age group. However, since GLSMA expired in 2007, advocates asked their lawmakers to reauthorize this program and ensure that it is adequately funded. The second top issue focused on suicide prevention among veterans and active duty members of the military. Advocates made clear the need to reduce stigma, promote research, and continue and expand current programs addressing suicide among veterans and active duty military as the suicide rate among our service members is at an all time high, and nearly 20% of all suicide deaths occur among veterans. The final issue discussed was the funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Advocates presented the need to maintain and determine realistic and effective funding of institutes within NIH (National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse) for the purpose of suicide prevention and related research.
Bridget Breidenbach, Lisa Downs, Todd Handler, and Jessica Van der Stad, all survivors of suicide from California, worked as a team to discuss these policies with Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer’s staff. Bridget Breidenbach, as a veteran herself, was able to make the need for veteran/military suicide prevention particularly clear.
After these meetings, the California delegation split themselves up into smaller teams to meet with the offices of five Representatives from the state of California and further educate House members and their staff on suicide issues. In one of these meetings, Todd Handler and Lisa Downs discussed suicide prevention policies with Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s (CA-8) staff, reaching the office of a powerful figure in the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House.
When the day drew to a close, advocates were elated with the positive response they received from their lawmakers and staff. Many had thanked the advocates for bringing the need for suicide prevention, education and research to their attention, and others even promised to take a leading role in ensuring policy changes in the months and years ahead to make suicide prevention a top public health priority for our nation.
2010 Legislative Institute PowerPoint Presentations
- SAMHSA Administrator Pamela Hyde - 2010 Legislative Institute Keynote
- AFSP Medical Director Paula Clayton, M.D. - Suicide Prevention Overview
- SPRC Senior Prevention Specialist Effie Malley- It Takes a Community!
- Krista Stephenson, Department of Veterans' Affairs - VA Suicide Prevention Overview
United States House of Representatives Passes Health Care Reform Legislation
On Sunday, March 22, 2010 the United States House of Representatives passed historic and unprecedented national health reform legislation. This health reform bill is now on the way to President Obama's desk for signature and the "corrections" bill, now known as the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010, heads to the Senate for consideration. For the millions of Americans who have lacked quality health insurance, included are:
- More than 10 million uninsured Americans who have a mental or a substance use condition.
- More than 20 million uninsured Americans who have not been able to afford health insurance.
- Thousands of small business owners who have been unable to provide health insurance even for their families and themselves.
- More than 8 million children and adolescents who lack any health insurance.
- More than 155 million Americans with a pre-existing condition.
- Millions of young adults under age 26 entering the workforce for the first time.
- Millions of elderly Americans who cannot afford needed medications. Millions of Americans who have become unemployed during the past year.
AFSP/SPAN USA is pleased that a majority of the provisions we championed aimed at reducing suicide and suicide attempts are included in the bill. They are:
- Inclusion of coverage for mental health and substance use disorders in the essential (minimum) benefits package
- Extension of young adults’ ability to be covered by their parents’ insurance plans
- Better access to mental health checkups
- Adequate reimbursement for care coordination
As Representative Patrick Kennedy reported -
“A key aspect of this legislation that is of particular importance to me is the extension of the mental health parity protections established into law last year by my legislation, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Not only are these protections extended to all plans in the Exchange, but mental health and substance use benefits are a part of the essential benefits package created by this legislation. For the 67 percent of adults and 80 percent of children who need mental health care that do not receive it, this victory cannot be understated. Today marks a new day and a giant leap forward towards our transition from a “sick care” system to one which is preventive, collaborative, and patient-centered.”
For the text, section-by-section review, fact sheets, and other information on the reconciliation bill check out the link on the House Majority Leader's website here.
