DULUTH, Minn. – Recent studies show in Minnesota suicide is now the second leading cause of death for 10–24 years old.
The collaborative includes mental health professionals from thirty agencies across the region.
Throughout the year multiple pieces of training are held to provide strategies and ideas for #teensuicideprevention.
Panels of speakers are invited to share personal experiences to continue the conversation about this big topic.
“Adolescent #mentalhealth and prevention is something really dear to me. Something I have struggled with myself. Having suicide attempts,” said Psychotherapist David Romano.
“It’s just heartbreaking to see how many students and young people are struggling in silence with their mental health,” Romano continues.
The collaborative believes it’s important to get communities more involved in the effort of understanding teen suicide.
“One of the things I say about suicide prevention is it’s everyone’s business,” said Carlton County Suicide Prevention Coordinator Meghann Levitt.
“Everything is coming to a point where people are realizing that this is really a need. We need to just get more resources in place to be able to respond to a higher need,” Levitt continues.
The organization also hopes to catch youth mental health concerns early will bring suicide rates down.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text MN to 741741 for more information.
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
