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For Immediate Release

Edited by: Susan Alderman, media director, 260-481-6165

Media contact: Kathleen O’Connell, director, Behavioral Health and Family Studies Institute, 260-481-6795 or oconnell@ipfw.edu

Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Renewed

(Fort Wayne, June 19, 2009) -- Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne is pleased to announce the Behavioral Health and Family Studies Institute has received a second year of funding of almost a half million dollars to continue youth suicide prevention measures in Indiana. The Institute remains eligible to receive funding for one more year at the same level. The grant, totaling nearly $1.5 million, is from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Institute is recognized by the Indiana Department of Health and FSSA Division of Mental Health and Addiction as the center of expertise for suicide prevention in Indiana.

According to the Institute director, Kathleen O’Connell, Ph.D., RN, the continuing goals of the program include expanding and coordination of resources available to Indiana communities; assuring that those responsible for state and local youth suicide prevention efforts are skilled in cultural competence; and promoting efforts to reduce access to lethal means and methods of self-harm among youth at risk for suicide. This program also includes the expansion of current programs and the addition of new programs, coordinated by a Youth Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Center.

For more information on the grant and the Institute’s role in youth suicide prevention, contact O’Connell at 260-481-6795 or oconnell@ipfw.edu.

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