LATEST NEWS!

As we continue our call to action in the prevention of teen suicide in South Carolina, let us acknowledge two of September’s national awareness campaigns: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month¹ and Recovery Awareness Month².Thank you to everyone who has placed a Narcan in their medicine cabinet, church fellowship hall on the AED, purse, or gave it to a friend. Together, we’ve distributed over 200 Narcan doses since June! The 9-8-8 stickers and magnets have been an easy-to-use awareness booster. Does your church have metal bathroom stall doors: put magnets on the back of each stall door. Are the bathroom stall doors wooden: post a sticker there (same shape/size or choose a different one).

The chair of the TSP spoke at the Coastal Conventions in May and September this year and distributed suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and 9-8-8 information, stickers, and magnets to attendees in both English and Spanish to bring back to their congregations.

During the SC WELCA Convention in June, we had a workshop on Preventing Teen and Young Adult Suicides, reaching 9 appreciative, enthusiastic attendees who planned to also spread awareness in their home congregations. At convention, we distributed approximately 200 English and Spanish magnets, posters, stickers, and handouts; 71 Narcan kits (includes 2 intranasal Narcan, disposable gloves, rescue non-rebreather mask, and card with contact info to connect directly with a recovering person immediately.) Thank you to FAVOR of the Lowcountry!

News from the Teen Suicide Prevention Task Force

The Community Teen Suicide Prevention Committee is proud to announce the receipt of a $5,000 grant from the Katie Fund, representing a meaningful investment in the mental health and well-being of our youth.

How the Grant Will Make an Impact

These funds will be allocated towards several impactful initiatives:

• Training for Mental Health First Aid: The Task Force will train one to two individuals from within SCWELCA to become certified instructors in Mental Health First Aid. This will equip our community with trained advocates who can recognize the warning signs of mental health crises and respond effectively.
• Outreach and Education: The grant will support our outreach efforts, including the promotion of upcoming Mental Health CPR classes and the presentation of an informational workshop at the convention. Our plan is to get this training out to our conferences/churches as well as the schools and other community outreach within our state
• Materials Development: Funds will also be used to develop and distribute materials aimed at raising awareness and encouraging community members to participate.

The Importance of Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is an essential skill. Just as physical First Aid can save a life in a medical emergency, knowing how to respond to a mental health crisis can make all the difference for a young person in need.

We are deeply grateful to the Katie Fund for making this vital work possible. We look forward to expanding our reach across the SCWELCA community and making a lasting impact on our youth’s mental health and well-being.

Additional Resources for Mental Health Information

For those seeking further insights and support regarding mental health, here are some valuable resources:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  
  Provides a wealth of information and resources regarding mental health and substance use disorders.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  
  Offers insightful infographics and statistics on mental health. Notably, suicide is the #2 cause of death in children aged 10-14 and remains a significant issue in the 15-21 age group. The last two downloads on this site are particularly helpful for those wanting to support loved ones but unsure how to approach the conversation.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Suicide Facts
  
  While navigating the CDC site can sometimes be challenging, this page contains important statistics and relevant information about suicide prevention, including age breakdowns.

Utilize these links to deepen your understanding and foster support within your community.