Psychiatr News April 18, 2008
Volume 43, Number 8, page 23
© 2008 American Psychiatric Association
Alliance Schedules Opportunities for Learning and Fun
Stephanie Whyche
The APA Alliance, which is hosting a number of activities at APA's
annual meeting next month, is marking the 10th anniversary of its "When
Not to Keep a Secret" essay project.
The APA Alliance (APAA), which has planned four days of work and fun
at APA's annual meeting in May, is marking a milestone this year. It's the
10th anniversary of one of its most replicated initiatives—the
"When Not to Keep a Secret" essay project.
The activities of the 210-member organization to be held in conjunction
with APA's 2008 annual meeting (see APA Alliance Plans Busy Annual Meeting
Schedule) comprise a balance of work and leisure activities. Included in the
work category are the group's board of directors and business meetings, a
workshop titled "Risk Factors Are Not Predictive Factors Due to
Protective Factors Applied to the New Orleans School Recovery District,"
and the annual luncheon at which the keynote address, "Mental Health
Issues With Returning Veterans and Their Families," will be given by
Marie Wood of the International Yellow Ribbon Fund. Established in 2005, the
fund assists injured service members as they recuperate at the Walter Reed
Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center. It also assists
their families.
The APAA was established in the 1980s to bring together the spouses of
psychiatrists and later others interested in improving the often-stigmatized
image of psychiatry through educational, philanthropic, and advocacy
activities. A notable example of the APAA's work is its "When Not to
Keep a Secret" essay project.
The goal of the project is to encourage students to share information or
"secrets" they may have learned regarding school violence or
friends who have mental health problems, especially those who are being abused
or threaten suicide. The school-based, teacher-supervised initiative has
positively touched the lives of countless high-school-aged children, as well
as their teachers and parents, in 19 states.
"The power of the essays show that the exercise 'awakens' teens to
the possibility of conflict," observed APAA President Kay Brada, of
Wichita Kan. "Our intent and hope is... that students realize they need
to let trusted adults know."
According to the APAA, more than 90 percent of the submitted essays express
depression and concern about teen suicide. The remaining 10 percent of essays
are focused on eating disorders, physical fighting, relationship violence,
self-esteem problems, bullying, substance abuse, sexual gender issues, and
weapon carrying.
Three to five top entries are selected from each participating school for
judging each year. APA members and community leaders (media, legislators,
policy makers, city and county officials, nonprofit directors) are asked to
participate as judges in part because they are in unique positions to educate
others or influence policy related to school violence. Awards to the winning
students are presented at their local APA district branch.
More information about the APA Alliance, including its essay
contest, is posted at
<www.apaalliance.org/>.
Related Article:
-
APA Alliance Plans Busy Annual Meeting Schedule
Psychiatr News 2008 43: 23.
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