May 2, 2019
AATA joins the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a National Collaborating Organization for their annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day event. This year’s event, “Suicide Prevention: Strategies That Work,” will focus on the impact that suicide has on children, youth, young adults, families, and communities and will showcase evidence-based strategies to connect those in need to information, services, and supports that can save lives. Tune in on May 6 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm EDT to watch the live webcast of the event!
According to the CDC, suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10 and 24, claiming approximately 4,600 young lives each year. In a survey of US high school students, 16% of students reported seriously considering suicide, 13% reported creating a plan, and 8% reported trying to take their own life in the preceding 12 months. Public education is crucial for reducing the stigma that’s often associated with talking about suicide, and to spread information on suicide prevention. The AATA’s resource, “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Best Practices for Art Therapists and Resources for the Public” is one place to start.
Watch our Video from Awareness Day 2018
AATA collaborated with SAMHSA to produce this video for last year’s event, “Partnering for Health and Hope Following Trauma.”