TSPN Call to Action JASON FLATT ACTS BECOME LAW IN CALIFORNIA AND LOUISIANA

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1 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008 TSPN Call to Action T E N N E S S E E S U I C I D E P R E V E N T I O N N E T W O R K INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Medicare Mental Health Parity Passes Half of All Firearm Deaths Are Suicides New TSPN Symposium Sponsors Veterans and Families Picnic in the Park TSPN Nashville Sounds Booth New York Daily News Consults Advisory Council Member TSPN Regional Calendar Advisory Council Contact Information PO BOX NASHVILLE, TN PHONE: (615) FAX: (615) TSPN@TSPN.ORG JASON FLATT ACTS BECOME LAW IN CALIFORNIA AND LOUISIANA The legislatures of California and Louisiana have passed versions of the Jason Flatt Act, similar to the one passed in Tennessee last year. Both laws mandate two hours of suicide awareness and prevention instructor per year for all public school staff. Together, these laws represent the most comprehensive youth suicide prevention training legislation in the country. Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana signed the Jason Flatt Act of 2008 into law on June 16 during a public ceremony in Baton Rouge. It cleared the Louisiana State Legislature by unanimous vote. Present during the ceremony were State Representative Thomas Carmody (R-Shreveport), the bill s initial sponsor, and Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, who met personally with Clark Flatt, President/ CEO of the Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI), to discuss the finer points of the bill. JFI provides suicide prevention curricula to schools and youth programs. Flatt founded JFI following the death of his son Jason in 1997 at age 16, organizing a nationwide campaign to combat the problem of youth suicide by providing comprehensive training to parents and educators regarding the warning signs of depression and suicide. JFI currently has numerous ambassadors who promote the organization and its message; these include many college and high school athletic coaches and several state Attorneys General. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (second from left) signed the Jason Flatt Act of 2008 into law on June 16. Also pictured, left to right: Louisiana State Representative Thomas Carmody, the bill s author; JFI President and CEO Clark Flatt, Louisiana Attorney General James D. Buddy Caldwell, and, JFI Vice President and CEO Michele Ray (Photo courtesy of News and Views, the JFI newsletter.) Statistics show us, 1 out of every 7 students in Louisiana had made a plan to commit suicide in the past twelve months. stated Caldwell in a June 18 press release. And 1 out of every 12 students actually attempted suicide during the same period. I applaud the legislature and our Governor for passing this law, which could help save lives. Caldwell s personal website ( includes a link to the Jason Foundation website ( This event was followed by the passage of a bill by the same name by the California State Legislature, which was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on July 18. This version of the bill, sponsored by State Senator Robert Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga), authorizes school districts to use a portion of their Professional Development Block Grant funding to pay for the training. The bill was endorsed by the California Teachers Association and several hospitals. "Losing even one young life to suicide is one too many - and that is why I signed the Jason Flatt Act today. It's my sincere hope other states will follow our lead in helping ensure teachers across the nation are trained to recognize the warning signs of youth suicide, Schwarzenegger stated in a press release sent out the day of the bill s passage. Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen signed the Tennessee bill signed into law on May 30, Developed by State Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin), the bill amended Chapters 5 and 6 within TCA Title 49 to require that two hours of the required five days of annual teachers' in-service training to be devoted to training in suicide prevention effective as of the school year. All school personnel, including principals and support staff, are required to participate. Training sessions are currently in progress across the state. In each case, state legislators and other officials were in close consultation with Flatt regarding logistics and implementation. The bills themselves are not JFI production; any and all accredited mental health or suicide prevention concern may provide the required training. JFI is not referenced anywhere in the text of the three bills.

2 TSPN CALL TO ACTION MEDICARE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY PASSES OVER PRESIDENTIAL VETO The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331) became law on July 15 despite a veto by President George W. Bush. The bill repeals Medicare s 50-percent mental health services co-payment and resets the rate at the same level for medical care, with an equalization in co-insurance rates to be phased in over a six-year period. The U.S. Senate vote to override Bush s veto was 70-26; the House voted Both Tennessee s senators supported H.R as originally passed as well as the veto override. As for the House, all Tennessee representatives except John Duncan (Second District) and Marsha Blackburn (Seventh District) supported the original bill. Duncan maintained his nay vote on the override, but Blackburn switched sides to support it. We could not be more pleased that all of our advocates' efforts have paid off, said Brian Altman, Director of Public Policy & Program Development for the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA), in a July 16 press release. America's senior citizens and those with disabilities should not have to pay more out of pocket for mental health services than for physical health services. Passage of a Medicare mental health equity bill was one of SPAN USA s major public policy priorities for this year. Meanwhile, a bill mandating mental health parity in employer-provided insurance continues to develop as Senate and House negotiators have resolved major differences between their versions of the bills (S. 558 and H.R. 1424). The measure, bundled into the Jobs, Energy, Families and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 (S. 3335), mandates the provision of out-of-network mental health and addiction benefits at the same rate of coverage offered for medical or surgical benefits, as well as disclosure on medical necessity criteria. Mental Health America s Advocacy Network ( is currently running an action alert on this item, which comes up for a Senate vote on July 28; visitors will have the opportunity to submit letters to their Congressional representatives. SUICIDES ACCOUNT FOR HALF OF ALL U.S. FIREARM DEATHS In the wake of the Supreme Court s June 26 gun control ruling, the Associated Press circulated a report noting that over half of all U.S. firearm deaths are suicides. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 55% of the 31,000 gun deaths reported in 2005 were ruled suicides. 40% were homicides, 3% were accidents, and 2% were either legal killings (for example, police shootings) or undetermined. The 2005 numbers are typical in that in 20 of the last 25 years, there were more firearm suicides than firearm murders. Several public health studies have shown that persons who live in homes where guns are present are much more likely to die by murder or suicide. The CDC reports that 90% of all firearm suicides attempts prove fatal, compared to 34% of attempts involving jumping and 2% of overdose attempts. More information on firearms as lethal means is available through Means Matter ( a public relations campaign from the Harvard Injury Control Research Center profiled in the TSPN Call to Action s July edition. The Supreme Court s 5-4 decision repealed a 1976 District of Columbia handgun ban and ruled that laws requiring firearms to be kept disassembled or have trigger locks are unconstitutional. The American Public Health Association and the American Association of Suicidology filed amicus curiae briefs on the District of Columbia s behalf, submitting information contradicting claims that suicidal individuals without access to guns will resort to other means, citing the high fatality rate for firearm suicide attempts. While the Court s majority opinion did not reference suicide, Justice Stephen Breyer s dissenting opinion repeatedly referenced the suicide risk associated with firearms. The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network thanks Associated Press reporter Mike Stobbe for his efforts to bring this issue to the attention of the general public. PAGE 2

3 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 TSPN SYMPOSIUM RECEIVES TWO NEW SPONSORS TSPN welcomes two additional sponsors for its upcoming symposium on September at the Millennium Maxwell House Nashville. Volunteer Behavioral Health Care Systems (VBHCS) is the parent organization for five mental health and substance abuse treatment centers across central and southeast Tennessee. It offers a variety of services including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment, case management, and drop-in centers. It administers the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program on behalf of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as well as the Tennessee Public Safety Network, the Regional Intervention Program (RIP), Project BASIC (Better Attitudes and Skills in Children), and the Early Childhood Network. VBHCS also operates a local crisis line ( ) and a crisis stabilization unit. Arnell s Counseling Service, located in Pulaski, is owned and operated by Advisory Council member and South Central regional chair Pam Arnell. The agency provides counseling services to communities across the south central region of the state. It provides counseling for children and families in the juvenile justice system through contracts with the Tennessee Department of Children s Services and the South Central Community Service Agency. It also operates a 26-week program for domestic violence offenders with Giles County. Additionally, the Network has received $95 in memorial donations on behalf of loved ones lost to suicide. While the reduced early bird registration rates expires on August 1, space is still available at a cost of $65. TSPN is also still accepting sponsorship offers as well as applications for exhibits and program advertising. A registration brochure with a current agenda and information on hotel registration is available on the TSPN homepage, alongside forms for potential sponsors and exhibitors and a promotional event flyer. The TSPN central office is available to answer any further inquiries regarding registration and/or sponsorship; for more information, contact Executive Director Scott Ridgway at sridgway@tspn.org or (615) NORTHEAST REGION STAGES PICNIC IN JOHNSON CITY The Veterans and Family Picnic in the Park, a project of TSPN s Northeast Region took place on the afternoon of July 26 at Metro Kiwanis Park on West Market Street in Johnson City. Roughly 50 people attended this event, which featured refreshments, children s activities, door prizes, and entertainment from WKOS-FM. Speakers at this event included Charlene Ehret, Senior Medical Director of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City, and Judge James Nidiffer, General Sessions and Juvenile Court judge for Washington County, who lost his son to suicide two years ago. Ed Jeffries, Chaplain of the Johnson City Police Department, provided the benediction. TSPN members were on hand to distribute information on suicide prevention and mental health issues, these included copies of the local resource directory and information on services available to veterans. Outreach to veterans and members of the armed forces is the Northeast Region s chosen 10-Tenn Challenge objective. Materials were also available from the Frontier Health, the Jason Foundation, Rolling Thunder, the Suicide Survivors Support Group, Tennessee Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services, and the Washington County Anti-Drug Coalition. The Northeast Region would like to acknowledge the following sponsors and donors who helped make this event a success: Citadel Broadcasting, Contact Concern Kingsport, Contact Ministries-Johnson City, Culligan, the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities, Food City, Food Lion, the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (VAMC), McDonald's, Mountain States Health Alliance, Pepsi Bottling Group, Pet Dairy, the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, Terry's Chips, Trinity Assembly of God, Wal-Mart, and Wellmont Health Systems. Members of TSPN s Northeast Region work the buffet line at the Veterans and Families Picnic in the Park, held July 26 in Johnson City. Members pictured are Paula Masters (serving in foreground) and Christen Minnick. PAGE 3

4 TSPN CALL TO ACTION TSPN STAGES BOOTH AT NASHVILLE SOUNDS DOUBLE-HEADER The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network returned to Greer Stadium on July 12 to stage another Nashville Sounds promotional event, one regarded as especially successful. TSPN Executive Director Scott Ridgway threw out the first pitch at the double-header night game against the New Orleans Zephyrs, which included frequent announcements regarding suicide risk and warning signs and prominent references to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ( TALK). Several local mental health and social service agencies contributed materials to the TSPN booth; these included Centerstone, Family and Children s Services, the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Tennessee Lives Count Project, Tennessee Voices for Children, and Volunteer Behavioral Health Care Services. The Frisbees, bookmarks, stress balls, pencils, and pens were really popular with the kids in attendance, and that put us in contact with the parents and caretakers who were interested in the other information we had on hand. I think this booth was the most successful we ve had yet, said Ridgway. TSPN would like to acknowledge the following volunteers who assisted with the booth: Cheryl Anderson, Granger Brown, Tricia Harman, Danielle McRae, Scott Ridgway, Thom Roberts, Kim Rush, and Lygia Williams. At top, the Greer Stadium scoreboard, which displayed PSAs on behalf of TSPN throughout the game. Below, Executive Director Scott Ridgway poses with Ozzie, the Nashville Sounds mascot. ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER INTERVIEWED BY NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Advisory Council member Karyl Chastain Beal was consulted by and quoted in a recent New York Daily News article on suicide among young women. The July 1 article followed out of the highly publicized suicide death of Kazakh model Ruslana Korshunova on June 28. The article analyzed suicide trends among women in their 20s in the New York City metropolitan area. The suicide rate among women in New York City in 2005 was 42% higher than the rate for the rest of New York State, according to the New York State Department of Health. Research on the relationship between urban living and suicide is generally inconclusive, although the Daily News article references a 2000 U.K. study that suggested women aged living in urban areas were about 50% more likely to die by suicide than rural women of the same age. Daily News reporters Patrick Huguenin and Gina Salamone consulted the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA) in researching the piece, consulting field development coordinator Jason H. Padgett along with Chastain Beal, a SPAN USA field liaison and facilitator of the online support group Parents of Suicide (parentsofsuicide.com). She provided insight from the survivor s perspective, having lost her daughter Arlyn at age 18 in "When I see something like this in the news, especially when it's a female, I relate to it and wonder how the parents are coping," Chastain Beal says in the article. "It also just constantly reminds me that we are no closer to finding solutions now than when Arlyn died." PAGE 4

5 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 TSPN Regional Calendar No December meetings are scheduled unless otherwise marked. Dates in eggplant indicate alternate meeting dates intended to accommodate state holidays or other previously scheduled events. East Tennessee Region monthly, 4th Tuesday, 3:30 PM Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, 9050 Executive Park Drive, Knoxville, August 26, September 23, October 28, November 25 Memphis/Shelby County Area bi-monthly, 3rd Wednesday, 3:30 PM Family Services of the Mid-South, 2430 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, September 17, November 12 Mid-Cumberland Region monthly, 2nd Thursday, 10:30 AM Tennessee Voices for Children, 701 Bradford Avenue, Nashville, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11 Northeast Region Every 4th Tuesday, 10:30 AM Boone s Creek Christian Church, 305 Boone s Creek Road, Gray, August 26, September 23, October 28, November 25 Rural West Every 3rd Wednesday, 10:30 AM Behavioral Health Initiatives, 36C Sandstone Circle, Jackson, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 South Central Every 1st Tuesday, 12 PM Legends of Shelbyville, 1609 North Main Street, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 5, December 2 Southeast Region Every 2nd Tuesday, 9:30 AM Bradford Health Associates, 6160 Shallowford Road, Suite 103, Chattanooga, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 4, December 9 Upper Cumberland Region Every 4th Thursday, 10 AM Volunteer Behavioral Health Care Systems, 1200 Willow Avenue, Cookeville, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 20 Intra-State Department Meetings Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Third Floor Conference Room, Cordell Hull Building, 425 Fifth Avenue North, Nashville, (2:30 PM) October 14 Blount County Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Alliance Every 1st Friday, 12 PM Cafeteria Classroom, Blount Memorial Hospital, 907 East Lamar Parkway, Maryville, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7 Giles County Suicide Prevention Task Force bi-monthly, 3rd Monday, 1:30 PM Giles County Career Center, 125 South Cedar Lane, Pulaski, September 15, November 17 Hickman County Suicide Prevention Task Force Every 4th Friday, 1:30 PM Hickman Community Hospital, Senior Care Building, 135 East Swan Street, Centerville, August 22, September 26, October 24, November 21 PAGE 5

6 Advisory Council Contact Information If you are interested in getting involved with TSPN on a local level or have other questions, contact the chairperson of your region as indicated by the map provided below: East Tennessee region Anne Young, MS, CAS (865) sayoung3@comcast.net Memphis and Shelby County Ken Tullis, M.D. (901) kfttenn@ktullis.com Mid-Cumberland region Misty Yarbrough, BBA, BSW (615) , ext. 132 myarbrough@tnvoices.org Northeast region Harold Leonard, MA, LPC-MHSP (423) leonardhb@msha.com Rural West region Carol Burroughs, MSCPS (731) burroughsc@k12tn.net South Central region Pam Arnell (931) work angel1@surfmore.net Southeast region Tim Tatum, MA (423) ttatum@bradfordhealth.net Upper Cumberland region Linda Moran (931) lmoran@vbhcs.org Advisory Council Chair Sam Bernard (423) sambernard@comcast.net Executive Director Scott Ridgway, M.S. (615) sridgway@tspn.org Lake Lauderdale Obion Henry Weakley Dyer Gibson Carroll Crockett Haywood Madison Tipton Chester Henderson Benton Decatur Stewart Houston Humphreys Perry Montgomery Dickson Hickman Lewis Cheatham Maury Robertson Davidson Williamson Marshall Macon Sumner Clay Pickett Scott Claiborne Hancock Fentress Campbell Hawkins Trousdale Jackson Overton Union Smith Wilson Rutherford Bedford Cannon Putnam Morgan De Kalb Cumberland White Roane Warren Coffee Grundy Van Buren Sequatchie Bledsoe Rhea Meigs McMinn Knox Loudon Blount Monroe Anderson Grainger Hamblen Jefferson Cocke Sevier Greene Washington Unicoi Sullivan Carter Johnson Shelby Fayette Hardeman McNairy Hardin Wayne Lawrence Giles Lincoln Moore Franklin Marion Hamilton Bradley Polk