This app makes it global
I wish you much to celebrate this season! 

Within AWI, I am celebrating how well we have leveraged a new app from  Boston Children's Hospital. It starts as training 'on demand' and then when you complete the training, you can download their curriculum kit   for grade 8 and above. Since anyone can complete the training and access the materials, this means that AWI can collaborate with interested communities regardless of their location. 

The widest implementation has been with Rotary members and their Interact teen clubs to deliver a Peer Leadership & Depression Prevention project. Students give the resource  very high satisfaction rates (ex. Would you recommend this for a friend?). The content effectiveness is measured through surveys  that teens complete before and after implementation. The results are: 

Percentage improvement            (By country)
Knowledge;  Help-seeking;  Attitude  
  77%;            97%;               9%     (USA)
146%;            32%;             10%     (Puerto Rico)
665%;            42%;             49%     (India)                            



The app may be accessed through this link:  ChildrensHospital.org/BreakFree

Enjoy the season!

DID YOU KNOW...
First-time parent workshops are available?    
This is
 
the earliest depression prevention resource I have found.    Check it out and please let me know about other resources to keep healthy kids healthy in the birth through pre-school ages.  
Featured guest

Ironically, Massachusetts topped U.S. News & World Report's new ranking of the best states in America even as 10% even of its middle school age children report suicidal ideation. How might Massachusetts reduce that number?

One way is by more communities using the resources developed by Margaret Hannah.
She is the Executive Director of the Freedman Center for Child and Family Development at William James College.  For more than 25 years, Margaret has been designing and developing programs and facilitating leadership programs, parent support groups, and evidence based prevention programs. Examples include:
- first-time parent workshops that build healthier infant/parent communication and parenting self-efficacy 
- activities in the virtual Wellness Center (within Whyville.net) that are exercised  independently by children age 10 and older

They also provide the best assisted referral service in the state to 55 Massachusetts communities. It is called INTERFACE, where callers receive a match to a provider who has openings, takes their insurance, and is conveniently located. In addition the INTERFACE counselors help individuals navigate and better understand the complex mental health system and offer follow-up support (https://interface.williamjames.edu).

If these resources exist, why does every middle school classroom have a child reporting suicidal ideation? Families are often not aware of what is available to prevent depression in a son or daughter. Although it would be easy for communities to promote, such as with a utility bill, few communities do. Each of us can generate ideas for preventing depression in our own community.
Donations to AWI 

You may donate to AWI  through this link.  
Alex Kung introducing Whyville

Your donation to AWI is greatly appreciated. AWI leverages every dollar effectively, providing curricula and train-the-trainer workshops to adults and youth.



C hecks may be made  payable to Adolescent Wellness, Inc. and mailed to 103 Old Colony Road, Wellesley, MA 02481.
 
AWI is a 501c3 non-profit and donations are tax deductible.
 
You can also select Adolescent Wellness, Inc. to support through purchases at smile.amazon.com.
AWI Volunteers

The people who make it happen!
  • Bob Anthony - President
  • Chip Douglas - Chairman
  • Phyllis Gimbel - Director
  • Calvin Place - Director
  • Lisa Siegel - Director
  • Penny Wells - Director
  • Frank Hays - Marketing
  • Alex Kung - Whyville workshop leader



Click here to subscribe to the AWI newsletter

Bob Anthony | Adolescent Wellness, Inc. | 781.727.8617 | BobAnthony@AdolescentWellness.org | www.AdolescentWellness.org
STAY CONNECTED: