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New Campaign for Increased Visibility Unveiled at Spring Sounds
Adolescent Counseling Services responds to the suicide of a Gunn High School student
MENLO PARK, Calif. – At its annual fundraising gala, Spring Sounds, Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) announced that they will launch a new campaign to increase visibility of ACS programs among students and attempt to raise awareness among families in the community about adolescent depression.
During his opening address at the event, Philippe Rey, ACS Executive Director, reflected on the recent tragedy of a Gunn High School student and shared the agency’s plans to step up their efforts in reaching teens. “ACS is making an increased effort to reach out not only to parents, but directly to the students at the campuses we serve to let them know ACS is free, on campus, and ready to listen,” said Rey.
Starting at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year, ACS will work with the schools to distribute information about the On-Campus Counseling (OCC) Program directly to students, as well as working with student publications to increase awareness of the free services available to them. ACS’ OCC Program provides free counseling to students at eight area schools: Gunn, Palo Alto, Menlo-Atherton, and Redwood High Schools, as well as at Jordan, JLS, Terman, and La Entrada Middle Schools.
ACS will also be holding two town forums entitled, “Breaking the Stigma: Adolescent Depression.” The first will be on June 4, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Palo Alto at the Cubberley Auditorium. The second will take place on June 18, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Menlo Park at the Menlo Park City Council Chambers. These forums are open to all families in the community. Held in collaboration with other local organizations, the forums will include a panel of mental health experts to speak on the topic of teen depression and answer any related questions.
One in five people have suffered from adolescent depression, which is directly related to substance abuse and suicide. “This is a very important issue that cannot be ignored,” said Margaret Murchan, ACS On-Campus Counseling Program Director. “We hope that these forums will allow families to learn more about mental health and encourage an open dialogue on the topic. We also want to make sure that families in the community know that our doors do not close when the school year ends.” ACS has two programs open to teens and families during the summer; the Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program and the After-School Counseling Program.
Springs Sounds, held on May 16, 2009 at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in Menlo Park, welcomed over 220 guests, including community leaders, elected officials, and long-time ACS supporters. Spring Sounds was a success, raising over $164,000 to support all ACS programs. “I am so appreciative to the community for their support,” said Karen Canty, Spring Sounds Event Chairperson. “This event would not have been possible without the hard work of our committee members and staff. I am honored to have worked with everyone to put on a terrific Spring Sounds event for ACS.”
About ACS
ACS’s mission is to empower teens and their families in our community to realize their emotional and social potential through counseling and preventive education. Established in 1975, ACS relies on the generosity of the community to offer critical interventions and mental health services to over 3,000 individuals annually, building a better future for tomorrow.
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