MASP Blog

Last Blog as President

2010-12-29T12:22:00.000-05:00

My Last Blog as President-
While I will still continue to blog on occasion I have a hunch that this blog has just not caught on for whatever reason, it wasn’t for my lack of trying. While I have mixed emotions of leaving this position with the Michigan Association for Suicide Prevention, mostly because not everything I wanted to finish is done. My deepest regret is not finishing our “Status of the State,” I suppose all of us at one time or another have had to do this pass something forward, so you can understand my feelings. This being the end of the year is my time for reflection, not just looking back but also to new beginnings and opportunities.
When someone tells you that “time can pass in the blink of an eye,” I know now what they mean, these last four years as MASP president has been some the most exciting and challenging. My tenure has been up-lifting and at times exhausting. We have moved the association into the twenty-first century with our web page at www.mas-masp.org . This was a long awaited goal of our organization and thanks to Ain, we now have this ability to reach out to help others. However change is every present and moves on, we need to look at facebook and other new media sites to enhance our ability to get our message out.
I realize I’m beginning to ramble on, so I will wrap this up. I’m glad to hand over the reins of president to Judi Rosen –Davis (past President so she knows what to expect) and also thank all of you for your support and tireless effort in the many events we shared over these years. No one does this alone (never has – never will) your support helped me get through the difficult challenges and your encouragement gave me the strength to carry forward. I will be forever grateful to all of you.
Wishing all of you the best that this New Year and new decade brings
Sincerely your President
Larry Lewis, MSW

What can we do for September 10th ?

2010-08-24T15:35:00.000-04:00

Where has our summer gone? I can’t believe I had just posted about how HOT and HUMID summer is and how it was effecting everyone now it is almost over (or at least it feels like it is) and it is still August. The leaves are starting to fall, a bit early I think, birds are starting to congregate. Back to school sales have been out for more than a month now and we are planning for National Suicide Prevention week, day September 10th. This year the National Council for Suicide Prevention is promoting a new campaign, “Take 5”. Take five minutes to take 5 steps; 1) Learn the signs 2) Join the movement 3) Spread the word 4) Support a friend 5) Reach out if you need help. Simple enough yet if this catches on it can have powerful overtones. Social messaging is not new. Businesses have promoted ad campaigns for years getting us to buy their products. Sometimes the most successful are concealed to look like news reports. I believe this is really worth promoting. Please go to www.take5tosavelives.org it describes how to implement this model.
Remember stay safe, stay connected
Larry Lewis, MASP

Hot and Humid Summer how is it affecting us?

2010-07-23T15:01:00.000-04:00

This week’s blog I hope will also reflect on the hot and humid summer we are having.
While Michigan is still waiting for recovery, we are hearing from those in the law enforcement community that they are busier than ever this summer. With the cut back in budgets our safety net is stretched pretty thin and our mental health clinics are also seeing more individuals and families than normal. Summer used to be a time when families tried to get away and spend a little time together; I think this has become more difficult this year. Those that still have jobs are not taking the time off (maybe partly in fear that their job might not be there when they return), while others need every dime they can earn. This is true especially when two were working and now because of the economy only one income is coming in. Even among our own, in the helping community we are seeing the toll this is taking. Please continue to be observant of our co-workers that might be going through a difficult period.
I posted the notice of Dr. Sean Joe’s wife who had just passed this week; I wanted to extend our condolences to Dr. Joe and his family.
Please remember to:
Stay safe, stay connected
Larry Lewis, President MASP

"Where have all my Bloggers gone?...."

2010-06-12T09:52:00.000-04:00

“Where have all my Bloggers gone?”
Did you ever have a song get stuck in your hear and can’t seem to get it out? Well have I had one this past week? The words have changed a little, “Where have all the flowers gone, a long time…..” to “Where have all my Bloggers gone…..” Seriously MASP is looking for bloggers to add to our discussion on suicide and its effect on Michigan families, neighborhoods, and communities. I could dominate our blog; however I prefer to hear from you. What you have to say is also important and your message also needs to be heard. That is why I have held back, like my vice-president always says I’m not shy about talking.
Michigan and MASP needs your active participation we are looking to provide resources in the arena of suicide prevention and by joining with us you can help to reduce the number of attempts and suicides in our state. Thank you for your support and looking forward to reading your blogs!
Larry, President
MASP

Technical Assistance Conference, May 17th - 18th, 2010

2010-05-02T10:28:00.001-04:00

First of I would like to thank those that attended our MASP meeting at O’Malley’s where the food is always good. Second I also wanted to thank Kevin Epling for his blog on bullying; this is a timely topic not only in Michigan and the recent episode of bullying in Cadillac but also in the nation. The Michigan House just recently re-introduced a bill that would address bullying here in Michigan, (It lost by only one vote in the Senate last year) we need to get behind this bill and add our voice.
Mainly I would like to echo Pat Smith’s post on getting signed up for our Technical Assistance conference this year at Higgins Lake, Monday May 17th – 18, 2010. Believe me for fifty bucks you cannot get a better location, great food, clean cabins and a chance to meet others in Michigan doing similar things we are trying to do. The speakers are informative, the material is relevant and the timing could not be better. Please take the time (you will not be sorry) download the registration forms, fill them out on-line or mail them back quickly (I think they would need to in by this Wednesday).
If I have not convinced you yet please read this. With all of the budget cuts to Community Mental Health, (13 million in 09; 40 million this year and a purposed 58 million cut by the Senate next year) given our lagging economy (mostly in jobs) the private sector cannot possibly make up these gaps. Church’s, charities, major foundations are being tapped to their limits. The only way we can get through this difficult period is together. It is only when communities pull together with other communities and share resources and support each other will get us through this. This conference will give us the opportunity to do this; this conference can bring us together. Thank you remember:
Stay safe, stay connected Larry Lewis, President Michigan Association for Suicide Prevention

Bullycide in America by Kevin Epling, 4/25/2010

2010-04-26T23:40:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of talk in the news in recent months about "Bullycide", a suicide connected to an instance or instances of bullying. But it is not a new phenomenon, only the name is new. It can be traced back to the late-Sixties in England when a young man took his life and left a note detailing his run-ins with the school bullies. School bullying has been looked upon as a rite of passage, that we've all gone through and that we will simply "get over it". Sadly with bullying we never get over it, we suppress it and we live with it. It can change our outlook and our personality, it can chart our course for the rest of our lives. Search your own memory bank and I am sure you can find the bully looking back at you.

The latest victim to hit the national news was 16 yr old Phoebe Prince in Massachusetts. Her crime for the intense bullying; she happened to be Irish and she was dating someone's former boyfriend. Her tormentors were relentless using both physical and cyber attacks to beat her down. But sadly the latest for us here in Michigan was Kimberly Linczeski in MI's Upper Peninsula. She was only 12 years old. Michigan has suffered eight confirmed bullycides since 2001: Tempest Smith ( 2001), Matt Epling (2002), Chrystal Eaton (2003), Kristina Calco (2005), Austin Murphy (2007) and Alex Harrison (2009). Another name will be added when the family chooses to come forward and share their pain.

We have met or communicated with all of these parents, and we share their pain, as we are Matt's parents. There was a bright life behind each of these names, each one had dreams and aspirations, that were cut down by others to the point their own self worth was diminished. The families have joined us as survivors of suicide and have embraced the idea of making change in their own way. We've lost wonderful kids in MI and across the United States, because we choose to ignore the undercurrent of violence within our schools. It is unthinkable that a 9 year old would take their life because of bullying, but it has happened, twice.

Anti-bullying efforts, especially those in the Middle School through High School years must address both violence and suicide prevention in tandem. Broad awareness and education are the most important tools we have against bullying, violence and suicide. Over the years we have spoken at many conferences and schools and we are always approached by teachers and parents and are told of other students who took their lives years ago because of bullying. This is nothing new, it has been happening all along, it has just been easier not to try and correct it. Unofficially the bullycide rate in MI is probably closer to 15-20 over the last ten years, probably higher if we did the research.

Phoebe's death along with Carl Walker Hoover's last year rallied the Mass. Legislature to pass anti-bullying legislation, which is awaiting the Governor's signature. Here in MI we have been battling for the past eight years, and are still waiting. The bill was killed in the Senate just before Christmas in 2008. Since then we've lost three students, three bright stars in a family's life. We as parents and constituents need to ask why our lawmakers choose to allow our children to suffer when something can be done.

We must work together and make more young adults know people are working for them and supporting them. To all the students we talk to we leave them with this: "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world". To you we ask "Be The Change" in your own life or in someone else's.

Peace,

Kevin & Tammy Epling
Matt's Parents
Bullypolice USA
www.mattepling.com

bullying + suicide = "bullycide"

2010-04-26T22:55:00.001-04:00

When you receive tragic news, it is not uncommon to turn to a friend to help you make some sense of it. Given the continuing controversy surrounding the suicide of Phoebe Prince in Massachussetts and the more recent incident in Michigan, MASP turned to a member who has been working tirelessly to educate people throughout the United States about "bullycide".

Kevin Epling is a Co-Director of Bully Police USA, a "watch-dog organization advocating for bullied children and reporting on state anti-bullying laws". He and his wife, Tammy, lost their son to suicide after an intense hazing incident. We asked Kevin why placing a spotlight on bullycide is warranted and why Michiganders should take this issue seriously. The next posting is his response.

Reminder: You can leave a comment on our blog (http://masponweb.blogspot.com) by clicking "date/time" link below a posting and then following the instructions.

Ain Boone, Survivor
MASP Webmaster

Bullying and its relation to suicide

2010-04-22T19:22:00.003-04:00

This Week’s Spark – April 22, 2010

This first article has appeared before, “tailoring messages to change behavior in Gatekeepers,” I think all our messages should always be audience specific, that way they will be most effective.
This next peace mentions that “Teen bullying can be a red flag for Depression, “while I understand what Ann Haas of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention meant “that bullying and suicide should not be thought of as cause and effect.” Madelyn Gould of Columbia University spoke of a “clear association,” between bullying, suicide, depression and suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. There was an excellent program on PBS last night about bullying and suicide (hopefully they will be repeating it this month, please see it if you can)
I think bullying left uncheck by school personnel or employers, supervisors (someone in authority) then this may lead to desperate behaviors for the victim to seek relief from the bullying. I admit I’m not an expert on bullying, however (Ain mentioned it) we are hoping Kevin Epling can share some of his insight with us. I believe he is just getting back from a national conference on bullying and a good friend of MASP.
The National Conference of State Legislators has issued a brief on Teen Suicide, I find this encouraging with all the budget cuts hitting mental health, I can hope and pray that they leave enough of the “safety net” for the rest of us to survive.
Stay safe, stay connected
Larry Lewis

Free Conference Next Week on Brain Disorders in Youth

2010-04-15T20:38:00.000-04:00

A greater awareness of brain disorders can lead to better screenings and treatments for mental illness, and fewer suicide attempts and deaths. For this reason, we are posting this information about a free conference next week sponsored by Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit, Michigan. The e-mail below was circulated by WSU's Vice President for Research on April 12, 2010 (bolding and extra spaces added):

"
Mental illness places an overwhelming psychological burden on individuals and families in the United States. Approximately half of people with a psychiatric disorder will have reported onset of symptoms by the age of 14, and three-quarters by the age of 24, underscoring the importance of understanding how abnormal brain development may increase vulnerability for psychiatric disorders.

To focus attention on this important problem, researchers in the divisions of Brain Research and Imaging Neuroscience and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Wayne State University's School of Medicine will present a public forum focusing on the latest research and treatment approaches to mental and psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.

"Childhood and Adolescent Onset Neuropsychiatric Disorders: From Vulnerability to Treatment" will be held Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Margherio Family Conference Center in the Richard J. Mazurek, M.D., Medical Education Commons, 320 E. Canfield[, Detroit, MI 48201], at the Wayne State School of Medicine.

In addition to informing the public about emerging research, the forum also will provide an opportunity for open discussion.

The forum is one of 35 being held around the country during April and May as part of the "Healthy Minds Across America" campaign organized by the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (www.narsad.org). The presentations will focus on emerging brain imaging results and their implications for treatment and management, with an emphasis on understanding brain function and neurochemistry in illnesses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The forum is free and open to the public. For more information about the forum or to register, please visit http://healthyminds.med.wayne.edu or call 877-460-2003.
"

The "Commons" is located on the WSU medical campus near I-75 and Mack Avenue in "Midtown" Detroit. There was no mention of parking or CEUs so be sure to call and ask if you are interested.

Ain Boone
Survivor and MASP Webmaster

Weekly Spark - 4/8/2010

2010-04-11T20:37:00.003-04:00

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

Recent newspaper article about MASP

2010-04-11T12:28:00.001-04:00

The News-Herald: The Voice of Downriver
Published: Wednesday, April 07, 2010
BROWNSTOWN TWP: Police detective to be awarded for talking teen out of suicide
By Jackie Harrison-Martin

BROWNSTOWN TWP. — Members of the Michigan Association for Suicide Prevention do their best to prevent the situations that have everlasting effects on loved ones left behind.

Larry Lewis, president of MASP, read a story in last Wednesday’s editions of The News-Herald Newspapers detailing how Detective Lt. Robert Grant helped prevent a distraught teenager from taking his own life.

Members of the organization were so impressed with how Grant handled the potentially life-ending situation March 25 that they are presenting him with an award.

“We want to recognize him because he makes ‘protect and serve’ a reality,” Lewis said.

Grant is expected to be recognized by the group at the April 19 meeting of the township Board of Trustees. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the municipal complex on Telegraph Road.

Grant was among about 20 police officers who came face to face with an armed 19-year-old South Rockwood man threatening to shoot himself in the head.

Police said the man was distraught over a breakup with his girlfriend. According to a police report, the former girlfriend told police the man made several threats to harm himself, others and “go nuts” on law enforcement officers if he came into contact with them.

Grant and other officers chased the man through the Ramblewood subdivision near Roche and Allen Road for about an hour before the foot pursuit came down to a standoff.

After a tense time negotiating with the man, Grant convinced him not to commit suicide and to put the gun down.

The incident was resolved without any injuries or shots fired.

“This speaks highly of the township’s Police Department,” Lewis said. “This could have turned out a different way.”

Lewis said it appears that, initially, the standoff was going in an unfortunate direction. He said he knows Grant was taking a chance trying to negotiate with a man with a gun to his head.

“He saved a life,” Lewis said. “Actually, he may have saved several lives.”

There was concern at the scene for police, bystanders and the gunman.

With about 20 police officers on the case, Grant said this simply is a reflection of the “great job” every officer at the scene did.

Grant said that for as much pressure as there was at the scene, every officer helped him stay calm and focused as he tried to defuse the situation.

“It helped me save someone,” Grant said.

This is the first non-departmental lifesaving award Grant has received.

He said he considers it an honor to be recognized by a group such as MASP because of the important work its members do every day.

“They do such a fantastic job,” Grant said. “It means a lot to me to receive an award from them.”

The suicide-prevention group started more than 25 years ago. Its mission is to reduce the number of suicides and attempts in the state, to support those left behind and to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide.

The following facts were provided by MASP:

More than 33,000 Americans, including 1,000 in Michigan, kill themselves every year.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, especially for youth and the elderly.

Each death by suicide leaves behind an estimated six to 10 survivors, which amounts to as many as 330,000 in the United States (including 10,000 in Michigan) every year.

Surviving family and friends not only suffer the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide, but also are at higher risk themselves of attempting suicide and developing other emotional problems.

Most suicidal people desperately want to live, but can’t see alternative solutions to their problems.

Some suicidal individuals show signs of their intentions, but people might not be aware of the significance of those warnings or know how to react to them.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call 1-800-273-8255. It is a 24-hour crisis line and will connect you to someone in your area.

A different outcome

2010-04-03T12:12:00.002-04:00

April 1, 2010 This week’s blog is a different perspective, All too often suicide tragedies are familiar. This past week was different, while reading Wednesday’s News Herald (local paper) there was a story that turned out with a favorable outcome. I will briefly summarize this story: “Police had a 911 call, from a young woman, about her breakup with a young man, who had a gun and had threaten to end his life and possibly others.” The police started looking for this young man and when they tried to approach him a chase ensued. Several officers cornered him and were yelling for him to put the gun down, instead he put it to his head and dared them to shoot him. When a senior Lt. arrived he quickly assessed the situation and took control. He ordered everyone to calm down, while he focused on the young man. He calmly asked him to put the gun down and ask him what had happened. This exchange went on for a few minutes when it almost turned wrong when another office with an assault rifle showed up. The Lt. regained control and after several more minutes had passed (15in all). He was able to get the young man to put the gun down.
This week of Passover and Easter weekend will be a time to give thanks by the families of those involved and for this Lt. who put his life on the line to save this young man. This young man now has the opportunity for treatment and to live a full and rewarding life.
Stay safe, stay connected
Larry Lewis

Weekly Spark - 3/24/2010

2010-03-28T13:18:00.001-04:00

This week’s Spark – March 24th, 2010 offers more good articles on research, memorials and developing PSA’s for suicide prevention.

The previous research from the military suggests that veterans that have traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are experiencing mental health problems including substance abuse were 21 times more likely to attempt suicide. They then listed both risk factors and protective factors that the veterans identified. This study suggested that they desired long-term support both with treatment, employment and help in support for the families of the military. Strengthening religious and spiritual dimensions could also help veterans in self-esteem and redefining self-worth.

On CNN this week psychologists warned that memorials can trigger additional suicides. This might have been part of the discussion going on about Cornell University in New York, where a rash of six suicides have occurred over a short time frame. We have seen problems like this here in Michigan. SPRC suggests everyone refer to the publication “After a suicide: Recommendations for Religious Services and Other Public Memorial Observances.” I believe it is always better to step back, take a deep breath and try to follow the conventional wisdom. We can honor the individual, not the act.

Minnesota with the help of its Public Health department and SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) held a two year contest to allow students to develop their own PSA’s targeted for schools. Please go to the Weekly Spark for additional articles and more in depth information.

As spring has arrived to Michigan we need to look forward to activities we can achieve through our efforts. I sent a packet to the Michigan Association of Funeral Directors here included is the SAMHSA booklet providing a guild for Funeral Directors. I encourage others to do the same with their local Funeral directors. Vanessa and I went to Wayne States School of Nursing this Saturday, where she presented on how to work with suicidal patients. This small event was well received. I believe as an organization we have to reach out to other institutions and let them know about what we can offer to them.

On a final take, I spoke with someone, “who has my back,” and he assured me that he was also ready to step-in and start “blogging” this would be great, to all of the others out there, you know who you (advisory board included) feel free to also step-up. This will make for a much wider diversity of options’, positions and topics. Remember

Stay safe, stay connected, Larry Lewis

Upcoming Briefing on Mental Health Parity Law

2010-03-22T21:12:00.001-04:00

The Mental Health Association in Michigan will be hosting a legislative briefing on Thursday, April 15th (tax day) in Lansing, MI. The subject will be the new federal law on mental health parity that was passed at the end of 2008. It went into effect at the beginning of this year (2010). The briefing will be held in the Mackinac Room of the House Office Building. It starts at 8:30am.

Ain Boone
MASP Webmaster

Weekly Spark - 3/17/2010

2010-03-19T11:37:00.004-04:00

Just a few comments about this week’s Spark – March 17, 2010

First of all there is a research summary from Europe entitled “Economic Supports Prevent Suicides in times of High Unemployment,” This research will also give us a different view of how other countries are dealing with the global recession. This focus could help us here in Michigan, since our economy has been in decline for over a decade. I hope they find that because of the longevity of this economic recession that we will have learned resilience in life coping skills coming out of this period. Another article about depression in parents shows up in children also having anxiety, depression, and drug or alcohol dependence among other problems. P.S. another perspective from Australia: this time the under-diagnosed cases of depression in children and adolescents.

New York state and county jails with high rates of suicide, while a federal judge ordered suicide prevention experts to investigate the problem is being held up because they cannot agree on the interview process. Because of a whole list of issues not just the liability of correctional institutions to prevent injury and possible death while someone is incarcerated they tend to be less open to outside help.

Please check out this week’s Spark at SPRC, excellent webinar’s on many topics. These are great training and learning tools FREE to all of us, all you have to do is sign up to participate.

Before I close this post I wanted to mention the U.S. Census all of us should have received one this week. On a personal note I signed up to work and help get everyone counted. I know many of us are busy with everything in our lives; however the Census is VERY IMPORTANT to all of us. This determines how federal and state programs allocate their monies such as schools, roads and many programs we take for granted, also how many delegates a state gets. I could go on and on, the benefits far out-weight the few minutes it takes to fill out, and last but not least it only happens once every ten years. Please fill out your form and mail it back quickly, thank you.

Stay safe, stay connected Larry Lewis

Weekly Spark - 3/5/2010

2010-03-07T18:31:00.003-05:00

In this week’s Spark, March 5th, 2010 SPRC/AFSP adds “Towards Good Practice: Standards and Guidelines for Suicide bereavement Support groups to”, the Best Practice registry. These Standards come from Lifeline Australia’s. From what I have read so far MASP would wholly concur. Especially when it recognizes the need for professional co-facilitators, MASP has long promoted this position. Survivors of suicide (those left behind after a suicide) are often at risk of another suicide occurring within their circle of contacts. The trauma of suicide is unlike other deaths, not only because of the stigma, but also because of all the other issues it raises. These standards if practiced can only lead to better support for family and friends of loved ones lost to suicide. We will need to support these standards but also see they are decimated to support groups all over the state quickly.

SPRC will be making presentations at AAS 43rd annual conference this year, April 21-24 in Orlando, Florida. SPRC has been growing in the suicide prevention community since its merger with SPANUSA offering a much larger array of programs, rather than its primary focus on research. This is consistent with than Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher’s quote, “Now is the time to bridge the gap between what we know about suicide and what we are doing about suicide.”

SAMHSA announced a new Ad campaign in Mental Health for the African American community; these PSA’s were developed with the Ad Council and the stay strong foundation, this was done in February, Black History Month to help raise awareness among young adults in the Black colleges and Universities.

There are several more articles of interest to all including a research summary on Thoughts of death and suicide in early adolescence. Please visit this week’s Spark at SPRC for more detail and additional information.

Before I close this post I wanted to thank all of those that attended MASP’s silver anniversary. Along with Dr.’s Cheryl King and Alton Kirk, and Judi Rosen-Davis for their comments and presentations, the executive board of MASP for assisting with the handouts and Don and Judi Davis for allowing us into their beautiful home. Last but not least a mention to Marty’s Cookies and Bagel Bakery for their catering.

This event was another milestone to send MASP well on the way to its next 25 years of service to Michigan’s survivor community and the public-at-large.

Stay safe, stay connected Larry Lewis,

About blog comments

2010-03-02T00:19:00.001-05:00

Hello, everyone. A quick note on leaving comments on our blog.

Unfortunately, the "comments" feature was not activated prior to this week. So, you will not be able to leave any comments for postings in January and February. However, you can do so for any postings in or after March. Please bear with us while we acquaint ourserves with this new medium. Thank you and visit often!

Ain Boone
MASP Webmaster

Weekly Spark - 2/18/2010

2010-02-19T11:24:00.003-05:00

This week’s Spark has some good articles. One research summary show troops are more likely to report mental health disorders anonymously than in regular military health assessments. I would say that would be a safe bet for the general population also. Who would (say in a job or performance interview) that you are experiencing several mental health issues? I think this catch 22 has always been the elephant in the room so to speak. We have seen where universities have encouraged students that might be having thoughts of suicide to seek professional help, than when they go to sign up for classes require a letter from their psychiatrists that they no longer have any mental health issues.

Also a new version of the DSM for identifying mental health diagnostic disorders is up for review. The VA is upgrading care for female vets. What with more women in combat and direct support positions this is much needed. Lifeline is announcing a new program called “Life is precious,” for young Latinas, with increasing rates of suicide especially for teenage girls this program is very timely. Please visit SPRC’s web site for more information on these programs.

This one is for researchers and post doctoral applicants that might be interested in research on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. $250,000 for up to three year this would help to erase some of the debt incurred in getting that degree. Deadline is March 15th, 2010 so pass this on quickly.

Remember stay safe, stay connected

Larry Lewis

Weekly Spark - 2/4/2010

2010-02-05T18:50:00.001-05:00

A research summary: Points out the correlation between the reduction of psychiatric hospital beds and a projected increase in the number of suicides. I wonder if we can find a similar increase in the number of suicides in correctional settings? Michigan since the late seventies has closed almost all of the psychiatric hospitals, leaving the few left to be overcrowded and understaffed. Communities were supposed to offer half way housing and other services for the mentally Ill, but these were slow materialize.

Another article shows Emergency physicians in a study researching suicide prevention and detection. One of our own here in Michigan, Michael Swank has been working closely with the E.R. in the Bay-Arenac area. This should show promise, especially in getting data and providing services with attempters. These studies could really provide a break-through in reducing the numbers and treating early.

There are more information on this administrations rules and regulations in parity. Also some interesting international news, Japan’s Buddhist community is starting a hot line, and efforts are being discussed to provide mental health services in Haiti, last but not least a new report on services for suicide prevention in senior living communities.

We are getting ready for our Silver Anniversary and have a scheduled meeting next Saturday in Livonia, hope to see you there!

Stay warm, stay safe and stay connected

Larry Lewis

MASP-MiSPC Merger

2010-01-30T09:41:00.004-05:00

As we prepare to merge our two state-wide organizations for suicide prevention, which we believe will strengthen our efforts in implementing our state plan; we look forward to our silver anniversary of the Michigan Association for Suicide Prevention.

This is remarkable in and of itself. Given Michigan’s economic climate for the past decade for an organization to remain relevant, it must be fulfilling a need to the people of Michigan. MASP has always supported and responded to our survivor community and at the same time reached out to the greater community- at-large, through education and raising awareness about suicide and its prevention. We support the goals and encourage “best practice” programs.

It is now time for MASP to assume its role as state coordinator to assist in the full implementation of our state plan.

Stay safe, stay connected,

Larry Lewis

Weekly Spark - 1/20/2010

2010-01-22T05:23:00.004-05:00

This Weekly Spark carried more news about increased suicides among our military personal in all branches especially among young men ages 18 – 29. Also the rate among female solders has also risen. These trends are reflected in our general population.

Another article on a support group for young people in Maryland does not mention the type of group leadership. I hope there is at least one professional to give guidance and able to spot at-risk individuals. We at MASP feel strongly that SOS supports groups are extremely helpful to individuals that are survivors of loss to suicide; however they must have some professional training.

The question “Can railway suicides be cut?”: The UK is trying to find out. There was a similar effort here in the U.S. A study was done by AAS, interviewing family and friends of individuals that had died by railroad suicide.

A couple of grant opportunities are mentioned. I encourage any of you that are looking for resources to collaborate with others and apply. Michigan needs all the help we can get. SPRC is the place to go to for help. Katie Wootten is our rep. for Michigan, she can be reached at 202 572-3722 or email her at kwootten@edc.org. She would be glad to help.

Remember stay safe stay connected

Larry Lewis

Silver Anniversary for MASP

2010-01-18T12:56:00.005-05:00

I would like to invite all of you to help MASP celebrate our Silver Anniversary. MASP has been around twenty-five years and its mission has evolved to meet the needs of the survivor community and work to reduce the number of suicides and attempts in Michigan. This special event is being hosted by MASP at Don and Judi Davis’s home. Judi is a long standing member of MASP and past-president.

Our association was the first state-wide organization to take on suicide and its impact on families and communities. In 2001, MASP attended a pre-conference in Midland, Michigan that started the Michigan Suicide Coalition. This coalition drafted and started to implement our state suicide prevention plan in 2005. After four years, we are now in the process of merging our two organizations into one. We believe this will focus our efforts to assist in implementation of the plan.

Again, we are excited about the opportunities this New Year and decade presents. MASP is still as relevant today as it was in the beginning in addressing suicide prevention in Michigan.

Stay safe, stay connected

Larry Lewis

Weekly Spark - 1/13/2010

2010-01-17T13:17:00.002-05:00

This FYI is those of you that do not get the Spark directly:

In this week's Spark, there was an interesting article on PSA's, which shows that the PSA needs to audience-specific.

SAMHSA adds Lifelines to its Best Practice registry. This program is geared to middle and high schools, training staff to recognize students that might be at-risk.

Another article continues to points out the increased risk of suicide among young war veterans. This shows the need to bridge the gap between the VA and National Guard programs, and Community Mental Health agencies.

There are more grant opportunities from SAMHSA. I strongly encourage you and your agencies to collaborate in taking advantage of these opportunities. Michigan needs all the help they can get!

There is also a study (MMPI) from San Diego State College comparing 1938 and 2007 young people and levels of stress. Stay safe, stay connected!

Larry Lewis