WMC-TV, Memphis: Teens stopping suicides
UC expert leads Hope Squad research to fight teen suicide
Jennifer Wright-Berryman, PhD, of the School of Social Work at the UC College of Allied Health Sciences, is featured in a TV segment on teen suicide prevention produced by Ivanhoe Broadcast News and aired on WMC-TV in Memphis, TN. Wright-Berryman is the national lead researcher for Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program which reduces youth suicide through education, training and peer intervention.
Jennifer Wright-Berryman, PhD, of the School of Social Work at the UC College of Allied Health Sciences/Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand
“They go through a series of trainings that prepares them to identify mental health and suicide risk," says Wright-Berryman. "Those Hope Squad students then would shepherd someone who is at risk to a trusted adult.”
Wright-Berryman says studies show the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide is much lower in Hope Squad schools compared to those without programs. And teens attending schools with Hope Squads were more likely to seek out help. Hope Squads are in 800 schools nationwide.
Lead photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand
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