Upstream Suicide Prevention in Connecticut Elementary Schools

September 17, 2019

News Type:  From the Field, Prevention in Practice
Author:  Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Publisher:  Education Development Center, Inc.
Speaker:  Heather Spada, MA, LPC, Suicide Prevention System Manager, United Way of Connecticut
Speaker:  Connecticut


In this five-minute story, Heather Spada from United Way of Connecticut describes her state’s effort to create and implement an upstream suicide prevention curriculum in elementary schools. Featuring Gizmo the therapy dog, Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health is helping elementary school staff effectively teach children about mental health, life skills development, and social connectedness.

This effort was funded by a Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded to the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

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