ECU Health's Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program (ECIPP), with funding from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), hosted a youth mental health conference for professionals across the state. His event, “Light the Flame: Igniting Hope for North Carolina’s Youth,” drew more than 250 participants from a variety of professions, including teachers, coaches, school counselors, and mental health professionals.
Topics covered include supporting the mental health and well-being of yourself and others, clinical assessment and intervention, safe gun storage to prevent gun suicide, substance use, and social media as it relates to youth mental health. was included.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death in our youth, with suicide attempts increasing by a staggering 31% in 2021,” said ECIPP Medical Director and ECU Health Pediatric Trauma Surgeon. said Dr. Shannon Longshore. “There is an urgency within all of us to work with children to find solutions and care for them. We need to focus on prevention rather than recovery and treatment, and conferences like this one It helps you get started.”
The event drew participants from all over the state, but mostly from right here in eastern North Carolina.
“This is a great opportunity to provide further education and an opportunity for professionals from across the state to network and share their experiences,” said ECIPP Prevention Coordinator Brianna Culler. She said, “Having this event in Greenville gives us the opportunity to bring resources home.”
Multiple vendors attended the event and provided resources to attendees, including Youth Mental Health First Aid, Rural Opportunity Institute, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, North Carolina School Health Training Center, and Resources for Resilience.
