Dickinson gets $50,000 grant

Attending the grant presentation were, from left: seated -- Tom Butler, Ridgway; Christine Holjencin, Cameron County; Sandy Florig, Elk County Catholic; Mary Agnes Marshall, St. Marys Catholic Middle and Elementary Schools; Murray Neeper, St. Marys Public; standing -- Courtney Dunworth and Shelley Meier, Dickinson staff; Donald Fleming and John Kowach, Palumbo Trust; John Pozza and Mike Galluzzi, Dickinson; Jennifer Dippold, Children's Prevention Services program director; Tana Smith and Jill Struble, Dickinson staff. Photo submitted

Dickinson Mental Health Center has been awarded a $50,000 grant in the organization's 50th year.

Funds from the Palumbo Charitable Trust will support "Signs of Suicide," a prevention program started last year in Cameron and Elk County high schools. This will allow Dickinson to expand the program to reach even more students.

Signs of Suicide increased each school's ability to identify students who are at risk for suicide. Goal is to teach students steps needed to respond to signs of suicide and to reduce suicidal behavior through screening and education.

Students who choose to participate in the program are screened to recognize depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in themselves.

The education element emphasizes suicide as a mental health emergency, often tied to depresssion.

Messages are delivered through video, classroom presentations and group discussion. Students learn that depression is one of the most treatable illnesses.

Dickinson has trained individuals who provide effective intervention services geared toward prevention.