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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced awards of $2.4 million over three years to Louisiana and Mississippi to develop and implement statewide suicide prevention and early intervention activities to benefit youth who are adversely impacted by the hurricanes of one year ago. These grants are being released today to coincide with Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16).
The awards will enable these states to address ongoing suicide prevention needs of young people. Funding will support the implementation of both prevention and early intervention strategies to youth who are at risk for mental or emotional disorders that may lead to suicide or a suicide attempt, and who are integrated with school systems, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other child and youth support organizations.
“While most young people quickly rebound from a disaster with the support of a caring adult, some develop serious mental conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorders that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and acts,” Assistant Surgeon General Eric Broderick, D.D.S., M.P.H., SAMHSA acting deputy administrator, said. “These grants will enable two of the hardest hit states to reach out to young people who are still having serious problems coping with the devastating effects of the hurricanes on their lives.”
The State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, will receive $400,000 per year. The state will target 10,000 youth and young adults ages 10- 24 who were directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The targeted geographic areas were the heaviest impacted, including the parishes of Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Vermillion and the evacuees who live in East Baton Rouge.
The State of Mississippi’s Department of Mental Health will receive $400,000 per year. This project will address the serious need to strengthen Mississippi’s response to post-Hurricane Katrina mental health needs for youths by implementing an awareness campaign for suicide prevention and intervention, training gatekeepers in effective practices for screening and practitioners in trauma-focused evidence based practices, and facilitating a local infrastructure that will promote access, input, and support.
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