We are calling all who hold a stake in the mental health and well-being of our youth to join this effort by contributing their experience, expertise, and vision. Here’s how to get involved.
I AM H·E·R·E is the only coalition in North Texas focused solely on teen and young adult mental health. It brings together key sectors of the community to work on improving the way we serve the mental health needs of our youth.
H·E·R·E stands for Help, Education, Resources and Encouragement—four critical components that must be addressed to strengthen the network of mental health resources in our community.
Since its first meeting in April 2009, the coalition has drawn participants from organizations throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including mental health providers, social services, school districts, community agencies, law enforcement and juvenile justice authorities, parents and other stakeholders in the mental health of our youth.
Why do we need a coalition focused on youth mental health?
Teen and young adult depression and suicide are major public health problems in the United States today. Consider these facts:
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Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens from 10 to 19 years old and the second leading cause of death in college-age students in the U.S. |
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More teens die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, chronic lung disease, pneumonia and influenza combined. |
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In the Dallas Metroplex, we lose a young person between the ages of 15 and 24 to suicide at the rate of one every four days. |
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It is estimated that 90% of teens and young adults who die by suicide had a treatable depressive or mental disorder that went back more than one year. |
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