According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-19. The suicide rate for youth between the ages of 15 and 24 was the highest recorded rate ever (Heron, 2019).

Thus, this year the institute partnered with the Institute for Adolescent Suicide Prevention to deliver a workshop that discussed trends in adolescent suicide and addressed warning signs, as well as risk and protective factors.  Participants gained knowledge about the unique needs of specific populations and learned of available suicide risk screening and assessment tools.

The Covid-19 crisis has created many new challenges for daily living. These challenges are causing great stress and anxiety, which can significantly contribute to serious health problems. The United Nations has already highlighted a need for an increase in mental health support due to the epidemic (UN, 2020). Thus, the institute  has been delivering a workshop to the community; Cultivating Emotional Wellness Amidst Covid-19. This workshop explored some of the particular challenges related to Covid-19; including isolation and decreased support systems, a sense of powerlessness/loss of control/feelings of uncertainty, fear about our health/death, and grief. This workshop provides participants with specific interventions on how to cope with the overwhelming stress and unpredictably that this crisis has created. Additionally, ways in which participants can better manage their daily lives are also explored. Participants also have the opportunity to create a personalized 3-step wellness plan to assist in cultivating emotional wellness.