For young people between the ages of 10 and 19, suicide is the third leading cause of death. The risk is even higher for youth in Utah, which ranks in the top ten for suicide deaths in the nation.
That’s why the Grand County School District and Four Corners Community Behavioral Health have partnered to host the Youth Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Dinner to help parents of adolescents recognize the warning signs for suicidal behavior, and learn more about how they can get help.
The presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 5, at the Grand County High School TSAC Building at 608 S. 400 East from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
“Parents can expect a discussion on the positive aspects of their child’s mental health and how to support mental wellness,” Four Corners Community Behavioral Health Prevention Specialist Tiffany Van Sickle said.
Speaker Vonda Jump, who is a senior research scientist with the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University, will focus on communication with teenagers and the best ways for their parents to support them, all while maintaining their own positive mental health.
“We’ll be talking about the realities for teens in the Grand County area, and ways that parents can reach out to help their teens get through this difficult period of their lives,” Jump said.
“Adolescence is such an important time in a person’s life, and a time when it is difficult to see beyond today or tomorrow,” Jump said. “Many Utah teens have thoughts of hopelessness and not knowing where to turn, and parents can be such an important resource for them.”
Van Sickle noted that mental health can have several consequences in addition to increasing the risk for suicidal behaviors.
“Poor mental health can lead to many negative outcomes such as suicide and substance abuse,” she said. “Encouraging and supporting mental wellness can lead to higher levels of success and fulfillment in life.”
Grand County School District Superintendent Scott Crane said he appreciates the school and community coming together to provide pertinent information for parents to help them recognize warning signs of suicidal behavior.
“I believe this presentation will provide parents with the tools necessary to help them help their children deal with the difficult times in their lives,” Crane said. “I encourage the community to attend. It will be well worth their time.”
Dinner will be provided to all attendees, and child care will be available for children between the ages of 4 and 10. Older children are welcome to attend the presentation with their parents.
In order to ensure that there is enough food for all attendees, anyone who is interested in attending is encouraged to RSVP for the event by signing up on the Grand County School District’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/grandcountyschools/.
Presentation to focus on local mental health resources
RSVP for the event by signing up on the Grand County School District’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/grandcountyschools/.
