STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – A groundbreaking suicide prevention program has been launched on Staten Island with the support of a $3.67 million federal grant aimed at bolstering mental health initiatives for at-risk youth. The project, named the “MISSION” initiative, kicked off with its inaugural training session titled “The Zero Suicide Model” on November 25 at the Staten Island United Federation of Teachers office.
Over 170 professionals, including guidance counselors, social workers, and substance abuse specialists, participated in the training. This gathering signifies the program’s commitment to engaging various stakeholders who work with children and youth, emphasizing a holistic perspective on mental health.
Objectives of the MISSION Project
Borough President Vito Fossella highlighted the pressing mental health crisis among children, stating, ‘Tragically, it is often too late to get the children the help they need.’ The MISSION project aims to combine clinical interventions with comprehensive suicide prevention strategies over the next five years.
The initiative was selected for federal support due to Staten Island’s youth suicide trends reflecting state averages and its diverse population. Dr. Ram Raju added, ‘This is going to be a marathon… not a sprint,’ emphasizing the long-term effort required for meaningful change.
A Multi-Staged Approach
The program introduces three tiers of prevention:
- Tier One: Universal prevention strategies and education for all.
- Tier Two: Early interventions targeting at-risk youth.
- Tier Three: Intensive support for children experiencing crises.
Dr. Ginny Mantello stressed the importance of early intervention, stating, ‘What we want to avoid is having the fire burning and then us trying to address it.’ The goal is to provide timely support and resources to youngsters before crises escalate.
Training and Development
Leading the training was Dr. Christa Labouliere, who covered critical subjects such as means reduction counseling and specialized practices for LGBTQ+ youth. Additional training sessions will be scheduled, focusing on treatment engagement and resources for families.
As this initiative continues to unfold, the office of the Borough President is collaborating with various organizations, ensuring a seamless integration of mental health support across multiple sectors on Staten Island.
Comments are closed