Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Event Date and Time
Join us on December 16, 2024, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET, for an insightful discussion on youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Venue Details: Where to Attend
The event will be held virtually and also in-person at the Neuroscience Center, located at 6001 Executive Blvd., Rockville, MD 20852. Don’t miss this important opportunity to learn and engage.
Essential Insights on Youth Suicide: Join Our Fireside Chat
Join Shelli Avenevoli, Ph.D., the Acting Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), along with Arielle H. Sheftall, Ph.D. , for a profound discussion that addresses the critical state of youth suicide and suicidal behaviors. This engaging fireside chat will delve into the latest research, highlighting trends, risk factors, and protective strategies relevant to youth mental health. The dialogue aims to identify effective pathways for research, prevention, and intervention efforts to combat the alarming rates of suicide among young individuals in the United States.
Dr. Arielle Sheftall: A Leading Expert in Youth Mental Health
Arielle H. Sheftall, Ph.D., is an esteemed Associate Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, specializing in the Department of Psychiatry in Rochester, New York. She also serves as an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Psychology and leads important initiatives as the Director of Academic Affairs for the Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity (DICE) Board within her department. Her work is pivotal in bridging gaps in understanding mental health challenges faced by diverse populations.
Dr. Sheftall’s groundbreaking research investigates the developmental mechanisms that contribute to vulnerabilities in early to middle childhood, which may lead to future suicidal behaviors. By identifying these key factors, her mission is to establish effective targets for early intervention, ultimately aiming to reduce the occurrence of initial suicide attempts among youth.
Moreover, Dr. Sheftall focuses on the significant racial disparities that exist in suicidal behaviors among young people. She is an active participant in the Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Taskforce, which was instrumental in developing the Ring the Alarm Report , and she continues to investigate the various risk factors and policy recommendations needed to mitigate suicidal behaviors in Black youth.
As a recognized authority, she serves as a subject matter expert for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Her focus is on promoting mental health and preventing suicide within Black communities. Dr. Sheftall has successfully secured funding from both NIMH and AFSP to support her vital research and outreach efforts.
Director’s Innovation Speaker Series: Fostering Groundbreaking Ideas
The NIMH Director’s Innovation Speaker Series was established to inspire a broad and interdisciplinary approach in the development of scientific initiatives and programs. This initiative encourages researchers and thought leaders to pursue theoretical breakthroughs rather than merely incremental advancements. Speakers are invited to share their work, emphasizing how they have transcended traditional boundaries and fostered innovative ideas that have propelled their respective fields forward. This series is a platform for discussing the essence of innovation, creativity, and paradigm shifts that redefine our understanding of mental health and its challenges.
Gratitude to Our Sponsors: Acknowledging Support
This insightful event is graciously sponsored by the Division of Extramural Activities, whose commitment to advancing mental health initiatives plays a crucial role in shaping impactful research and community outreach.
Secure Your Spot: Registration Information
The event is free of charge, but prior registration is necessary to attend . Ensure you reserve your spot to participate in this vital discussion on youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Get in Touch: Contact Information
For inquiries, please reach out via email at InnovationSpeakers@mail.nih.gov. We welcome your questions and look forward to engaging with you about this important topic.
Accessibility Features: Ensuring Inclusivity
We are committed to making this event accessible to all participants. Therefore, closed captioning and a sign language interpreter will be provided during the event to accommodate diverse audience needs.
This sounds like a crucial event! The topic of youth mental health, especially regarding suicide, is so important—often overlooked until it becomes too late. I remember attending a similar discussion last year, and it was eye-opening to hear personal stories and expert insights. It really highlighted how vital it is to create safe spaces for young people to share their feelings and experiences.