THE NEWS STAR | The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is expanding their suicide prevention program to middle school students with a $10,000 grant from the Junior League of Monroe. For more than 15 years, the Coalition has implemented the SOS: Signs of Suicide program — a nationally recognized curriculum that includes education for caregivers and teachers about the signs of depression in young people and ways to seek help.

​Members of the Junior League of Monroe voted to give grant funds to the Coalition to support the mental health of middle school students and to expand the SOS program to five schools this fall.

In the United States, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Crisis will affect families and children everywhere — whether from direct COVID-19 exposure or economic hardships caused by the pandemic. Resources such as this one will help families learn the signs, make a plan, and access screenings.

​The Children’s Coalition Youth Development Coordinator Jan Daniels said, “We love the support of our own community members — they are helping us give our students the tools to ensure they are not only physically safe but mentally healthy. We must support them now more than ever.”

Lauren Traweek Voorhees, president of the Junior League of Monroe said, “The Junior League of Monroe started the Endowment Grant in 2005 to support programs in need throughout our community each year. Our members are beyond thrilled to partner with The Children’s Coalition to expand the SOS program. Our focus being, women and children at risk, it seems more than fitting to assist with this mission in a time like this.  We love being able to give back in such an impactful way and look forward to being involved in this incredible program!”

​Parents, caregivers and professionals can find more information about the Children’s Coalition, including the SOS program at childrenscoalition.org or by calling 318-323-8775.

The News Star

MONROE— The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is expanding its services to young people and families affected by the COVID-19 crisis with a $50,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.
The Children’s Coalition will use the funds in support of three programs:

• Mental Health: Increased suicide screenings and mental health access for junior high students in rural parishes through the SOS: Signs of Suicide prevention program, which includes education for caregivers and teachers about the signs of depression in young people and ways to seek help.
• Rural Technology Access: Providing computers for incoming college freshmen who serve as student ambassadors for the Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation (U-ACT) program, which makes opportunities for young people to make positive choices that prevent and reduce substance abuse in Union Parish.
• Supporting Students and Families: As needs arise among student families, the Children’s Coalition has been providing support, from providing shelter and supplies such as diapers, wipes and cleaning supplies to helping families access the internet to continue remote learning for students.

​​The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is expanding its services to young people and families affected by the COVID-19 crisis with a $50,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.
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The Children’s Coalition will use the funds in support of three programs:
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• Mental Health: Increased suicide screenings and mental health access for junior high students in rural parishes through the SOS: Signs of Suicide prevention program, which includes education for caregivers and teachers about the signs of depression in young people and ways to seek help.
• Rural Technology Access: Providing computers for incoming college freshmen who serve as student ambassadors for the Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation (U-ACT) program, which makes opportunities for young people to make positive choices that prevent and reduce substance abuse in Union Parish.
• Supporting Students and Families: As needs arise among student families, the Children’s Coalition has been providing support, from providing shelter and supplies such as diapers, wipes and cleaning supplies to helping families access the internet to continue remote learning for students.
  
  

Speaking about the Coalition’s mental health work funded by this grant, Executive Director Leann Bond said, “This crisis will affect families and children everywhere — whether it’s directly from COVID-19 exposure or the economic downturn. Young people are especially susceptible to the mental health impacts, because this is happening at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives when caregivers might see some warning signs as simply adolescent angst. These essential resources will help families learn the signs, make a plan, and access screenings. We have to pay attention now more than ever.”

Michael Tipton, president of the Blue Cross Foundation, added: “We are grateful for organizations like the Children’s Coalition who are working to support kids and families across the state during this crisis. Mental health is going to be a key factor in our resilience and recovery, and this kind of support is incredibly important to offer to those in need.”
Caregivers and families can find more information about the Children’s Coalition, including the SOS and U-ACT programs at www.childrenscoalition.org or by calling 318-323-8775.

About the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana
The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1998 with the mission to create “communities where children and families thrive." The Coalition currently serves children and families in 14 parishes with services addressing the developmental, social, and emotional needs of children ages 0-18 through early care and education, health care, parenting education, and youth development.
 
About the Blue Cross Foundation
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation works each day to improve the health and lives of Louisianians by empowering everyday people to do extraordinary good. By building and funding coalitions of friends, families and neighbors, the Foundation hopes to build a healthier Louisiana, particularly for its children. The Foundation is funded solely by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, but is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. Together, Blue Cross and the Blue Cross Foundation invest $3.5 million each year into Louisiana’s communities and nonprofits.

Story from KTVE/KARD by Hunter Elyse

MONROE, La (9/26/19) — In the United States, every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide.
Kids and young adults age 10 to 33, suicide is the number two cause of death. It’s an important topic to discuss and know more information on the resources available.

Learning about prevention is important when dealing with youth and those who experience suicidal thoughts.
“Communication is the most important thing. There is always somebody out there that can help them. These feelings are okay, but we want to get you some help,” said Jan Daniels, Youth Development Coordinator at the Children’s Coalition.
Suicide often occurs when stress and health issues create an experience of hopelessness.

If a person talks about feeling trapped and isolates from family or friends, they may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and it’s important to communicate with them.
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“The most important thing they can do is have that conversation with the person. Ask them how they’re feeling and what their feelings are. If they are having suicidal thoughts that you get the right help and that you seek a professional,” said Daniels.
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If someone you know is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out.

1. Talk to them in private
2. Listen to their story
3. Tell them you care about them
4. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide
5. Encourage them to seek treatment or contact their doctor

​The suicide prevention lifeline says to call 1-800-273-8255 or text talk to 741-741 for help if you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts.

KEDM Public Radio | Having the pressure to perform well at school can cause anxiety in children. With school starting back up, that means your child is at risk of experiencing some form of anxiety. Patti McGilton, Infant Mental Health Consultant for the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, talks about the signs of back to school anxiety and what to do if your child experiences it.

Parents and professionals need timely education on the laws, science, society, and culture that children are up against everyday. Time to Talk brings you accurate and appropriate information from state and local experts about issues that affect children, so that you can understand and communicate with and about them.

Through this segment, you'll develop a sophisticated understanding of the issues faced by youth today and be encouraged to confidently discuss tough topics that face our children.

Time to Talk is produced with the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, 90.3 KEDM Public Radio and BayouLife Magazine.

Nearly all research agrees: peer support plays a huge role in suicide prevention. Jan Daniels, suicide prevention and youth development coordinator at the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, informs parents and professionals about a school-based suicide prevention program. 

Daniels says that it is important for children to talk to trusted adults in school and at home; however, parents and professionals must be proactive to catch the warning signs and help adolescents navigate this phase of life.

On how the SOS Signs of Suicide program trains students
SOS Signs of Suicide goes to area middle schools and facilitates the prevention program. Facilitators teach students what to listen for and what to look for in their peers and in their family. They also teach students are how to react and what to do if they know someone who's fighting depression or thinking of suicide.
Trainings are usually held during P.E. time in a classroom setting. The trainings consist of questioning, answering, and talking accompanied by a great training video.

On how adolescents respond to suicide awareness
A lot of students ask what to say to someone who’s needing help, or what to do if an adult doesn’t listen the first time they tell them they know someone who’s feeling depressed. The most important thing you can tell them is to go to a trusted adult. If you don’t get what you want from the first person, go to the second person.

On how adolescents can recognize behavior and mood changes
The video used to guide the screening is age based. It talks about being dramatic, having trouble with parents, failing grades, and how things can explode if you don’t take care of them. It instructs children on what to do if they see someone that’s reacting on social media or in regular communication.

During the screening, there’s a section that allows children to reflect on the changes they’ve gone through in the past year. It’s amazing how many hands go up with simple changes such as moving to a new neighborhood or having trouble at home. We want them to be equipped with the skills of how to handle certain situations and feeling that they’re going through.
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If, for any reason, children or parents don't have access to suicide prevention programs, we always refer them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. That number is 1-800-273-TALK.

Suicide is a top five cause of death in adolescents and teens in the United States. Terry Thomas, psychologist at Healthpoint Center, informs parents on suicide statistics, risk factors, and resources to provide education on mental health. 

On teen suicide and common risk factors
It’s the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10-24. It results in approximately 4,600 lives lost each year. The deaths from youth suicide are only part of the problem, though. More young people survive suicide attempts instead of die. In a nationwide study of high school students in the United States, 16% of students reported seriously considering suicide, 13% reported creating a plan, and 8% reported trying to take their own life within the 12 months preceding the survey.

In children and adolescents, depressive symptoms can manifest in different ways that aren’t obvious. It's important for parents to be educated and understand risk factors by talking to them about acute changes in their child's emotional state or behavior.  

On determining if behavioral changes are normal or a sign of depression
Depending on the developmental stage of the young person, changes and erratic behavior is normative along the way. However, if its incongruent with what you know about your child it may require some attention. You may see an acute drop in functioning such as: a decline in school performance, social isolation from peers, sleep and eating patterns, and irritable moods. In order to help your child, keep the lines of communication open. It’s important to be accessible and responsive to your children. 

On resources available to parents to understand teen mental health
The internet is a good source because they have several internet-based agencies. We also have a local agency here – the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana.  They’re a great resource for information, parent education, and programs for youth and adolescents.