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| New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition |
June 6th Youth Suicide Prevention Conference Registration Open!
Coaltion Meeting set for May 21
in ALBUQUERQUE.
Support our Veterans
Spanish Language Hot Line
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April 28.2008 |
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June 6th Conference Keynote Speaker a "MUST-SEE!"
"One warm summer
night soon after I turned 18, I stuck a hunting rifle under my chin and pulled
the trigger. The gun shot wound severely damaged my face and left me completely
blind. I was unable to speak for several years. With the steadfast support of my
hometown community, my family and my friends along with my own renewed will to
live, I survived this challenging period of my life and slowly began to put the
shattered pieces back together.
" Arnold W. Thomas You can read more about the incredible life journey of Arnold W. Thomas, OR you can come see him in person at the June 6th Youth Suicide Prevention Conference scheduled at the CNM Campus in Albuquerque. to register for this FREE conference,
open to both professionals and community members.
To tell friends and colleagues about this conference,
click forward email at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Coalition Meeting May 21st in Albuquerque
Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 21st in Albuquerque from 9:30 to 12:30. (NOT in Santa Fe!)
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For Further Information
Contact NMSPC Executive Director
Gwen Packard at 505-401-9382.
New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition
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Please come to the quarterly Coalition meeting!
Amazing
networking opportunities! Find out what's going on in your area and
statewide for suicide prevention! Get the latest suicide prevention
information! See how YOUR participation can help reduce suicide and
assist suicide survivors! Tell us what you think is needed and your
ideas to advance the cause!
Scheduled speakers:
Harry Sanchez - New
Mexico National Guard
&
Office of Substance Abuse Prevention Native American
Initiatives - Tafoya and Associates
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Please
join us for this quarterly meeting of the Coalition at the Value
Options conference room on the 7th floor in Albuquerque at 2440
Louisiana Blvd, NE.
DIRECTIONS: Value Options is
in the tall building in a group of office buildings across from
Coronado Mall where Cutler crosses Louisiana. It's easy to find a map
on one of the internet map sites. Call the Coalition cell phone if you
get lost: 505-401-9382.
If you can not be in Albuquerque and would like to join by conference call, please call Gwen at the same number for information on how to do that.
Bagels, cream cheese, fruit, coffee, tea, and water will be served.
To tell friends and colleagues about this conference,
click forward email at the bottom of this newsletter.
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All 2008 Coalition Meetings Scheduled:
Mark the Dates!
May 21, August 20, November 19. These are all 3rd Wednesdays.
Time is 9:30 to 12:30. All will take place at Value Options in
Albuquerque. Conference call-in available. Refreshments will be served.
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URGENT ACTION ITEM! Support our
Veterans.
On
January 31, 2008, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) introduced
the Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act (S. 2585).
Recently,
the Department of Defense (DoD) has reported an increase in suicide among
active duty troops. The Army is experiencing the highest number of
suicides and suicide attempts on record. In addition, the DoD Task Force
on Mental Health estimated 38% of active duty soldiers and 50% of
National Guard who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan report mental health
issues, and that neither the VA nor the DoD is ready to deal with the increase in
mental health needs of Iraq and Afghanistan service personnel. Suicide
prevention for active duty personnel serves not only to prevent needless deaths
during enlistment, but also after members are discharged, preventing suicide
among our veterans as well.
Comprehensive
programs that address risk factors have been proven effective. The
Air Force implemented a suicide prevention program, and by 2002, the suicide
rate had declined by 33%. Researchers also found a decrease in violent
crime and family violence after program implementation.
The
Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act will require the DoD to implement
comprehensive suicide prevention programs within all branches of the military,
including the National Guard and the Reserves. The bill includes
provisions to provide training and outreach to personnel, encourage
help-seeking, and prevent suicide among those who have dedicated their lives to
keeping our nation secure.
The Senate Armed Services Committee will be
debating whether to include provisions to help prevent suicide in the military
in a bill the week of April 28-May 2. The time to act is now!! SPAN USA encourages you to take action and ask your senators to cosponsor S. 2585-
the Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act.
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1-800-SUICIDA New Spanish Language Hot Line
The
Kristin Brooks Hope
Center has proven
leadership in youth suicide prevention by advocating increased
investment in children's mental health services, research, supporting passage of The
Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, and in direct services programs. Its newest program was dedicated by Congresswoman Grace Napolitano.
1-800-SUICIDA
(784-2432) connects Spanish-speaking callers directly to Spanish speaking
and
bi-cultural call takers. Please help to get this much needed information out
to as many people as possible. You can forward this email by clicking Forward email at the bottom of this newsletter.
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