Suicide forum attracts 50
Published on Tue, Apr 5, 2011 by Sarah ArneyRead More Local News
While many youth find their futures at high school, others are not so lucky.
A group of about 50 adults gathered March 30 in the first of a series of Arlington Community Youth Suicide Awareness Forums to talk about ways to help those who are struggling along the way.
Jennifer Barron, deputy director of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP), and Michele Rastovich, program coordinator of the Snohomish County Community Mobilization Program, shared an overview of risk and protective factors for young people contemplating suicide.
Barron shared signs that a person is in trouble, and suggestions for what to do if those signs are detected.
"Ask straight out," she said. "They want to be rescued."
Barron provided statistics and Rastovich reviewed 40 developmental assets that youth need, including family support, community respect, boundaries and expectations.
The forum continues with four more sessions, May 11 and 12, 25 and 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center.
• On Wednesday, May 11, Robert I. Malphrus, a substance abuse counselor with the Skagit Valley College Human Service program, Shanna Kortendick, intervention specialist at AHS, and Leslie Brent of Cocoon House's WayOUT seminar for at-risk teens will talk about the role of alcohol and drugs (both street and prescription) in the risk of suicide.
• On Thursday, May 12, Heather Carter of YSPP will speak on bullying and violence and their effect on youth. Lynn Lewis, education manager at United Way Snohomish County, will offer some training for adults to become asset builders.
• On Wednesday, May 25, the topic is self-esteem, depression, anxiety attacks and expectations led by social workers Samuel Capetillo and Joey Bighouse from the state Department of Social and Health Services Children's Administration, and Greg Erickson, athletic director at Marsysville-Pilchuck High School, an advocate of developmental assets.
• Finally, on Thursday, May 26, Vicci Hilty from Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County will speak about abusive and violent relationships, along with Dawn Rutherford, Teen Services Coordinator for Sno-Isle Libraries, an asset builder for three years.
Organizer Wendy McClure said this first series is primarily for adults.
"We are planning to offer some activities for youth in the fall," said McClure.
A group of about 50 adults gathered March 30 in the first of a series of Arlington Community Youth Suicide Awareness Forums to talk about ways to help those who are struggling along the way.
Jennifer Barron, deputy director of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP), and Michele Rastovich, program coordinator of the Snohomish County Community Mobilization Program, shared an overview of risk and protective factors for young people contemplating suicide.
Barron shared signs that a person is in trouble, and suggestions for what to do if those signs are detected.
"Ask straight out," she said. "They want to be rescued."
Barron provided statistics and Rastovich reviewed 40 developmental assets that youth need, including family support, community respect, boundaries and expectations.
The forum continues with four more sessions, May 11 and 12, 25 and 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center.
• On Wednesday, May 11, Robert I. Malphrus, a substance abuse counselor with the Skagit Valley College Human Service program, Shanna Kortendick, intervention specialist at AHS, and Leslie Brent of Cocoon House's WayOUT seminar for at-risk teens will talk about the role of alcohol and drugs (both street and prescription) in the risk of suicide.
• On Thursday, May 12, Heather Carter of YSPP will speak on bullying and violence and their effect on youth. Lynn Lewis, education manager at United Way Snohomish County, will offer some training for adults to become asset builders.
• On Wednesday, May 25, the topic is self-esteem, depression, anxiety attacks and expectations led by social workers Samuel Capetillo and Joey Bighouse from the state Department of Social and Health Services Children's Administration, and Greg Erickson, athletic director at Marsysville-Pilchuck High School, an advocate of developmental assets.
• Finally, on Thursday, May 26, Vicci Hilty from Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County will speak about abusive and violent relationships, along with Dawn Rutherford, Teen Services Coordinator for Sno-Isle Libraries, an asset builder for three years.
Organizer Wendy McClure said this first series is primarily for adults.
"We are planning to offer some activities for youth in the fall," said McClure.
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