City Park West Neighborhood Association

Colorado Link Project at East High School

New Project Launched to Save Kids Lives

- "Colorado Link" Project Launched at East High School in Denver; Utilizes
Teachers, Parents and Peers to Prevent Teen Suicide -


DENVER (Dec. 4, 2001) - Michael Auerbach knows a thing or two about
depression. In fact, the 17-year old East High School student became so
depressed that he thought about killing himself. And, he thought about it
all the time. If it weren’t for the intervention of his parents and friends,
Michael may not have been around to see the launch of an important program
aimed at reaching kids like Michael - kids who appear to be happy and
successful, but who hold a dark secret inside.

The Mental Health Association of Colorado, in partnership with Servicios de
la Raza, Urban Peak and the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, has
launched the Colorado Link Program, a three-year initiative to identify and
treat teen depression. Funded by Mile High United Way, The Colorado Trust
and the Wolf Foundation, Colorado Link capitalizes on the power of community
to prevent teen suicide and treat teen depression.

The three-tiered program utilizes educational presentations, confidential
depression screenings and treatment, if necessary. More importantly, the
program encourages the full support and participation of parents, teachers
and fellow students. East High School is the second Denver-area high school
taking part in the project. North High School launched the program Oct. 1.

Representatives from East High School, in collaboration with community-based
health and youth organizations, will begin by providing educational
presentations to parents, teachers and students about suicide and suicide
prevention. At East High School, students from the National Honors Society,
East High School Peer Mediators and the Yellow Ribbon Club completed a
special advanced youth leadership training to help facilitate the program.
In the weeks following each presentation, students will answer a short,
written questionnaire to screen for symptoms of depression, drug and alcohol
use, and suicidal behaviors.

“In 1995, Colorado ranked fifth in the nation for teen suicide, and trends
in Colorado show that adolescents are increasingly the victims and
perpetrators of violence,” said Renee Rivera, director of education for the
Mental Health Association of Colorado. “Because most suicides are preceded
by depression, we want to identify and help those teens before it’s too
late. Parents may be unaware that their child suffers from depression, or
they may be aware of a problem and not know what to do about it. The
Colorado Link Project offers parents a free, confidential and proactive way
to support their kids. And, through the participation of fellow students,
teachers and community leaders, we hope to get the message across that it’s
OK to ask for help.”

Depression screenings at East begin Dec. 12 and will continue throughout the
school year. Screenings are completely confidential and free to all
students -- but require parental consent. Consent forms were sent home in
students’ report cards, but also are available at the school clinic.
Students can return signed consent forms to the East High School Clinic.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than eight
percent of U.S. adolescents suffer from depression, which can lead to school
failure, alcohol or other drug use and suicide. According to the U.S.
Surgeon General, girls, children of color and children receiving care
through public service systems are even less likely to get the help they
need. The more parents, educators and health care providers know about
mental health, the more they can help teens reach their full potential.

For more information on the Colorado Link Project, teen suicide or
adolescent depression -- or to receive a copy of the parental consent form,
call (303) 377-3040 or visit www.mhacolorado.org
.

About the Colorado Link Project
The Colorado Link Project is a three-year violence and suicide prevention
program aimed at educating youth, parents and community stakeholders about
teen violence, suicide risk and the early warning signs associated with
both. By working in collaboration with schools, parents, law enforcement,
health care, and community groups, the Colorado Link Project screens high
school students for early warning signs and offers referral services for
free, on-site treatment and counseling. The Colorado Link Project is
overseen by the Mental Health Association of Colorado, in partnership with
Servicios de la Raza, Urban Peak, and the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention
Program, and is funded by the Mile High United Way, The Colorado Trust and
the Wolf Foundation.

About the Mental Health Association of Colorado
The Mental Health Association of Colorado (“MHAC”) is a non-profit
association providing leadership to address the full range of mental health
issues in Colorado. The association is a catalyst for improving diagnosis,
care and treatment for people of all ages with mental health problems. MHAC
responds to the public’s demand for current, accurate information about
mental health issues. It also develops public policy on key issues. For more
information, visit .


Suggested “side-bar” information (source: The National Mental Health
Association):

Symptoms of Depression in Adolescents:
· Missed school or poor school performance
· Changes in eating and sleeping habits
· Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed
· Persistent sadness and hopelessness
· Problems with authority
· Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
· Poor self-esteem or guilt
· Overreaction to criticism
· Frequent physical complaints, such as headaches and stomachaches
· Anger and rage
· Lack of enthusiasm, low energy or motivation
· Drug and/or alcohol abuse
· Thoughts of death or suicide
Possible Causes of Depression in Children/Adolescents:
· The loss of love or attention, either by death or prolonged absence, from
someone on whom a child is dependent for care and nurturing
· Deprecation and rejection of the child by a caretaker
· Genetic vulnerability
· An increased rate of depression is found in children of parents with
bipolar disorder or who have been hospitalized for chronic physical illness
· Hospitalization, especially for a chronic illness
· Catastrophic or tragic events, such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on
America
What Parents/Adults Can Do:
· Be aware of the behaviors that concern them, note how long and how often
the behaviors have been occurring, and how severe they seem
· See a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health
professional or the child’s doctor for evaluation and diagnosis
· Get accurate information about depression from libraries, hotlines and
other sources
· Learn more about available treatments and resources from a doctor or
mental health professional
· Talk to other families in their community that may be able to offer advice
and support
· Identify and participate in family network organizations

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Margaret C. Maupin
Public Relations Strategy & Consulting
3841 Meade St.
Denver, Colo. 80211
T: (303) 477-9978
F: (303) 455-2066
C: (303) 981-7051