Weekly Spark - 4/8/2010

This week’s Spark – April 8th, 2010
Google is responding to an increase in searches relating to “suicide and ways to commit” by posting the 1 800 273 Talk logo and a link. We hope this helps someone that might be thinking of harming themselves. Another article from the Washington Post on Pilots that can now take antidepressants and still fly, this changes a previous ruling that banned antidepressants while pilots were flying because of possible side effects.
Colorado State University is trying to take steps to better understand suicide among students and prevent them. Is this the same University that was trying to change the rules to allow students to carrying concealed guns? While I do not wish to open a “right to bear arms debate,” I believe the minority is trying to do the same thing at Oakland University. After Virginia Tech, the safety of the students should be left up to the Universities and with suicide being the second leading cause of death among 18 to 25 year olds, we do not need to increase access to lethal means.
Returning brigade to get extra PTSD checks, while that sounds good I’m wondering since PTSD does not always surface right away but will appear at internals up to several years after the tragic events and certain triggers can cause flashbacks, but I’m not an expert. I think the continued mentoring of returning soldiers will have to be on-going for some time.
*Please see this Weeks Spark for additional articles and more information*
This past Saturday’s MASP meeting went well even though we went over our time limit. (I’m trying to keep our meetings to 2 hours). We had two new members which we welcomed. We are always looking for new members to help us expand our programs and aid us in our projects. We are looking forward to getting information to Michigan’s funeral directors to help them in understanding how suicide is different than other deaths and how it affects survivors. Maybe we’ll see you at our next meeting, Saturday May 1 in Fenton at O’Malleys, US-23 and Own Road. Lunch at 11:30- 12:30 Meeting starts at 12:30 - 2:30.
Remember Stay safe stay connected
Larry Lewis