Teen Mental Health: The Uncovering

KLRN, in partnership with The Health Collaborative and the Bexar County Suicide Prevention Coalition, developed an initiative to address three prevalent issues facing youth today: teen suicide, self-injury and binge drinking.

The initiative reached over 350 members of the south central Texas community last year and included a series of three public town hall forums and a public service announcement contest.

Click here to view the public service announcements.

Town Hall Forums

Preventing Teen Suicide: What You Should Know
“Preventing Teen Suicide: What You Should Know” examined the warning signs of suicidal behavior. Held on September 13, 2005, at the Texas Diabetes Institute, the forum included a screening with clips from "The Silent Epidemic," a documentary that explores teen suicide, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Judge Lori Massey of the 288th District Court.

Panelists included: Gerald Juhnke, Ed.D., Director, Doctoral Program, Counselor Education and Supervision, University of Texas at San Antonio; Tom Martin, M.D., Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Southwest Mental Health Center, and Associate Faculty at UT Health Science Center; Dennis Mergele, M.A., L.P.C., Guidance Coordinator, Northeast Independent School District; Karola White, M.D., Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital.

Click these resources for more information on teen suicide:
Event Flyer
"The Silent Epidemic" Documentary Information

Self-Injury: The Silent Struggle
“Self-Injury: The Silent Struggle,” focused on this growing problem among adolescents and young adults. Held on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at the Dr. Burton E. Grossman International Conference Center, the forum included a screening of clips from the documentary "Can You See My Pain?" which explores why teens self injure and how they can learn alternate behaviors that will allow them to move on into a well-adjusted adulthood. The forum provided information and resources to parents, school counselors, and others who work with youth.

Panelists included: Jeannie Von Stultz, PhD, Moderator, Bexar County Juvenile Probation, Kathy Cunningham, RN, Administrator, Managed Care for Southwest Mental Health Center; Susan Mengden, PhD, Private Practitioner; Lynn Briones, Parent .

Click these resources for more information on self injury:
Event Flyer
Self Injury Resource Guide
"Can You See My Pain?" Documentary Information

Binge Drinking: Too Much, Too Soon, Too Risky
“Binge Drinking: Too Much, Too Soon, Too Risky” tackled the growing problem of drinking on school campuses and at parties. Held on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at the First Church of Nazarene, the forum included conversations among local experts and students.

Panelists included: Will Brown, Moderator, Palmer Drug Abuse Program; Christina Guerra, Texas Alcohol Beverage Control Board, Boyce Elliott, M.D.; Tish Frye, LCCD, AAC, Counselor, Palmer Drug Abuse Program.

Click these resources for more information on self injury:
Binge Drinking Event Flyer

Public Service Announcement Contest

In order to extend the impact of the forums, a public service announcement contest was held to challenge students in grades 8 – 12 to script pieces that would reach their peers. Three winners (two pictured at top) were selected to have their PSA scripts produced by KLRN. The PSAs are airing on KLRN and are available to view below.

Depression Public Service Announcement
Special Thanks To: Jessica Kinzer
Edgewood Fine Arts Academy
Self Injury Public Service Announcement
Special Thanks To: Nicole Bennett
Seguin High School
Binge Drinking Public Service Announcement
Special Thanks To: Taja Coleman
Metzger Middle School