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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Educators learn how to recognize struggling students in suicide prevention training
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — 31 school districts and 300 attendees from across New York came to the OnCenter in Syracuse for suicide prevention training with education systems.
The event sought to equip educators with tools to assist students facing mental-health challenges. It was sponsored by the Lobdell Family Foundation, Onondaga County and Oswego Health.
Organizers said one in five students is struggling with their mental health. It is the second leading cause of death for youth in the United States. The training included how to recognize warning signs, offer support, and prevent suicide within schools.
Deputy County Executive for Human Services in Onondaga County Ann Rooney said the event was critical for school staff. She said it’s important for educators to realize the signs of a struggling student, noting that middle school and high school students are especially vulnerable.
“Unfortunately, probably every single one of us has been touched by a person who has taken their own life,” said Rooney. “For a family, the devastation is something they can never overcome.”
Vinny Lobdell, from the Lobdell Family Foundation, said that 28 years ago, he lost his brother, Rusty, to suicide. He said he and his family want to ensure that no other family will go through what they went through.
“A piece of my mom left that day and it has never come back,” Lobdell said.
Lobdell said his main message to the educators at the event was that there are resources for mental health out there. He said it’s important that the community works together to address mental health challenges in schools.
The suicide prevention hotline is 988. Additional help and resources can be found at this link.
#James Donaldson notes: 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 Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
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:
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 [email protected] 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
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